Joe grew up in a small town, miles from any big city. He was well liked by both adults and children. The town was the kind of place that never changed much. People went to the local school, learned a local trade as they became old enough, and usually settled down only a few blocks from Main Street. Everyone figured Joe would follow suit because he was such a good kid. “Joe’s going places,” he would hear adults say sometimes. “He’s one to watch.”
However, Joe became determined to go to college. He excelled in school. As he progressed through his teenage years, they continued to have good things to say. Teachers seemed impressed with his intellect and encouraged him to keep studying hard. Eventually, his grades qualified him for admittance to a university on the other end of the state. He even earned a scholarship. People seemed excited for him and congratulated him with big smiles.
Four years later, Joe returned to his home town. He applied for a job in the mayor’s office and was quickly hired. Everyone was glad to see him come back and loved to reminisce about old times. But Joe was looking forward. He suggested changes to how the office ran, bringing to bear some of his university studies and knowledge.
But he ran into resistance.
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The Weekly Parable 