A mother of a young girl had to learn her lesson of not judging a person based on appearances the hard way. It was a ‘dirty man’ she misjudged.
Andy Ross is from Vancouver, Washington. He was in a store when he heard an “educational conversation” between a woman and her daughter. That conversation stuck with him.
Andy knew that the little girl kept on looking at him. He really didn’t mind as he is used to it, especially with kids. And he really was dirty during that day working at a construction site.
The mother and daughter had their conversation and when they turned to leave, Andy heard the mom tell her daughter the importance of education.
“That is why you need to stay in school,”The mother quietly said to her daughter.
Andy couldn’t resist so he decided to educate the mother and her daughter who at that time must have been 7 or 8 years old.
Andy told the mom:
“First, I happen to be a very educated dirty man. I not only have a high school diploma, I also have a college degree and many medical certifications.”
“So assuming that I am uneducated because of my appearance is actually quite ignorant in itself.”
“Secondly, if you are telling your daughter to stay in school because I have tattoos up and down my arms, that will actually suppress her creativity and potentially hinder her imagination as she develops.”
“Again, contradictory to your point ma’am. I am proud of my tattoos and artwork that Forrest Bateman put on my body. It’s a representation of my pride in my country and my service over multiple combat tours as a special operations medic.”
“Third, if you’re referring that statement to the hat (not featured) I’m wearing because it features an elk, you might not understand it. I happen to co-own Evergreen State Outdoors and am proud to own an outdoors company and support my rights to hunt and responsibly be a gun owner.”
“Finally, I chose to work in a construction industry. I am proud to say that I am apart of building America and I enjoy my job everyday.”
“I tried working a desk job when I got out of the service and it wasn’t for me.”
“I enjoy working with my hands and being outdoors. Subsequently, it comes with being dirty some days. I make good money, have benefits, and am able to provide for my family without issue.”
“So my appearance reflects nothing to do with my level of intelligence or pursuing a higher level of education.”
Andy Ross then ended his talk saying, “Have a good day and try not to judge people before you know anything about them. Good luck with her little girl.”
There’s no way of telling who a person really is. Appearances can only tell us so much. So reach out, smile, converse, and you may end up with a new friend.
If you don’t, wish them well and live on.
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