Like many of us, Kamala Harris' job at McDonald's shows that “little things, mom, someday become big things” – Chicago Tribune

And that's exactly how Democrats have elevated teaching, stepparenting, storytelling, music, and working at McDonald's.

In a divided nation, positivity may be the answer.

This approach certainly stands out as different on the political stage. And it certainly seems to be gaining momentum.

Unlike the boring events that most political gatherings can be, the Democratic National Convention was entertaining to watch. The stories, the festivities, the playlist.

One question nagging me is: Is it OK to be so comfortable in politics? I'm so used to being torn apart, torn apart, and exhausted. Anger and cruelty are the hallmarks of much of the media's political coverage. I can't tell you how many times I've changed the channel because I just couldn't stand watching certain politicians verbally abuse women, veterans, the disabled, or the elderly.

In contrast, I record the DNC so I can watch it over and over again.

As my mother always said, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

Of course, the great Maya Angelou said it best: “I've learned that people forget what you said, people forget what you did, but people never forget how you made them feel.”

Does that mean they'll vote for you? Of course not. But running a positive and uplifting campaign is proving to be a driving force for the Kamala Harris and Tim Walz camp.

I live in a southwest Chicago suburb and could almost feel the aftershocks from the United Center.

Anyone who reviews movies, analyzes sporting events, or enjoys picking people apart (I'm looking at you, DT) knows that it's much easier to be overly critical than positive.

Optimism can make you seem simple, ignorant and naive. But this country has been through a rough patch. Meanness seems to be the only goal of the Republicans.

In times like these, a little joy can go a long way.

Supporting teachers is not a new affection, and many people praise stepmothers and the difficult role they take on. But now, perhaps for the first time in a long time, leaders are praising humble beginnings.

And I understand a lot about that.

At 15, I got my first job thanks to a work permit. That was the price a child with career ambitions had to pay for growing up in a working-class family. You had to work when you could and as often as you could.

Due to a dispute between my father and my boss over labor law, I was quickly fired. Of course, my father was right, but I was worried that a huge red stain had tarnished my personnel record and that I would never “work in this town” again.

But when I was 16, I got a job at a new McDonald's. I was excited and determined to be the best employee ever.

For two years I worked my ass off and worked as many hours as they would let me, even graduating high school a semester early so I could work full time serving pancakes and McMuffins.

True to the myopic sensibility of a teenager, I thought that once I got to university, I would never have to do such humiliating work again.

Ha. The first thing I did when I got home for Christmas break was to sheepishly call my former boss and ask if there were any shifts available. I was a good worker and he obliged.

For a shy young adult, it was embarrassing to bag French fries, haul trash to the dumpster, and wear a ridiculous hat. I had proven that I was suitable for college. Didn't I deserve a more impressive job?

I kept telling myself that it was only temporary, but I often wondered if college would actually be worth it and if the prospect of future success was really worth the sacrifices today.

This hard-learned humility will serve me well throughout my life.

We all experience difficult times when we must put our ego and pride aside to achieve a higher goal. Sometimes the sacrifice is temporary, sometimes it lasts the entire four years of your college education.

When I got my first job at a newspaper just three months after graduating, I was overjoyed. My hard work had paid off. My dream had become a reality.

Vice President and now Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris began her career at McDonald's. So did her husband Doug Emhoff. So did Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, as well as Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jay Leno and Carl Lewis.

All of these highly successful people credit the burger franchise with helping them learn valuable skills for work and life. For me, that would be perseverance, courtesy, teamwork, and of course, the ability to make changes quickly.

But the most important lesson I've learned from making burgers, salting fries, and charging customers for minimum wage is that no job is too good for me, and that the satisfaction you get from knowing you've worked hard and done your best can be just as relaxing as actually achieving a goal.

It wasn't easy. It wasn't always fun. But it was the right path for me.

This experience opened the door to what turned out to be my dream job.

I still had to work hard and keep believing, but I had acquired the skills to do it.

Thanks to the modest position and the disproportionate advantages.

Donna Vickroy is an award-winning reporter, editor and columnist who has worked for the Daily Southtown for 38 years. She can be reached at [email protected].

Originally published: August 22, 2024 at 16:34