Fuck Your Degree Complex: Millennials aren’t arrogant—we’re just tired of shrinking our intelligence to fit outdated expectations

Fake ass people show up as family too. I just had another weird ass conversation with a relative who doesn’t have a degree, and I’m honestly tired of downplaying my accomplishments in front of the same folks who helped pay for me to go to school. Yes, you had the income—but I left college, launched a business, and became the only business owner in my entire family. And somehow, people are still talking down?

Dear Diary—who the fuck do they think they’re talking down to?

Nah, fuck you too. How dare you? They claim I “leverage” my education too much. “Why are you always bringing up your degree?” But here’s the truth: the conversations that spark this energy usually end in arguments they can’t win. Instead of engaging, they get petty. So am I supposed to humble myself to your age authority—or to your ignorance? As a Black millennial, let me say it again: it ain’t our fault we’re smarter than the average smartie.

It’s not my problem if you’re threatened by my intelligence, and it’s definitely not my issue when older relatives resort to abusive tactics instead of logic. Their arguments aren’t backed by facts or evidence, like I teach my students—they’re backed by emotional un-intelligence. And honestly? That’s exhausting.

I’ve realized a lot of smart, emotionally intelligent millennials like me don’t engage in thought-filled conversations with the folks who raised us, because those folks feel some type of way about our education. It’s not just about dealing with white folks who feel obvious resentment—it’s also internal, within our own families. That’s part of what drove me to Hollywood in the first place.

For me, it’s not about “winning.” It’s about fairness. Equity is the name of the game, and it’s a generational issue. Think about it: many who own homes can’t even afford their mortgage without help from those who can’t pay rent. Some homeowners earn less than renters. So is this tension even personal within families—or is it generationally American?

As a first-generation American, I lean toward the latter. If parents feel threatened by the children they raised, is it because those children earn more—or because they measure their own worth against degrees and salaries? Millennials never had that luxury. All we have is our intelligence. That’s the only guarantee. Job security, food security, and life security? None of that is guaranteed for us. Just look at the fact that in recent months, states have literally canceled education as students fall through societal gaps.

So yeah—are they mad because we’re happy? Probably. Misery loves company. I’ve trained myself to stay positive in the face of adversity. If someone’s hungry, I remind them famine builds resilience. If someone’s sad, I turn up my let the good times roll energy so they forget sadness is even an option. That’s who I am—real. But let’s not sugarcoat it: being real also leaves us unprotected.

My friends, my fellow artists, my activist community—they get me more than family does. And let’s be clear, degrees don’t shield you from instability. I’ve been on SNAP more times than I can count, even with a Master of Science. I’ve been told during recessions to “play the game” by removing my higher education from my résumé. As if removing what I earned would help me “fit in.” That’s a game I refuse to play. And I don’t care.

Because the other side of walking in intelligence is knowing peace. Yes, “schooling” relatives comes with emotional distress. But this isn’t just about degrees—it’s about creating safe emotional landing zones. It’s about breaking generational ignorance so we can build something better. Being one of the first in my family from Trinidad and Tobago to go to college didn’t start with me—it started with them. But now it’s on me to carry it forward, to build the next version, and to free myself from their weight.

Think about it: if we all worked minimum-wage jobs, how would bills get paid? If none of us had degrees, who would be teaching the next generation? If we just parroted the same ignorant rhetoric we were raised around, wouldn’t we just be creating more Charlie Kirks for people to despise?

Where are we even headed? Honestly, I don’t know. But I do know this: if you’re a millennial like me, you’d better prepare for war. Because it’s old vs. young now. I’ve never had a 401k. But I hold two degrees. And I see why they feel some type of way—we’re redefining value itself, both as American workers and American voters.

Obama ran on hope. He’s still my president. And hope—mixed with intelligence, and yeah, even some profanity—is what keeps me going.