Hillbilly Elegy
Chapter 11
by Vance, J. D.The chapter opens with the author’s enthusiastic arrival at Ohio State University in 2007, marking a fresh start after his Marine Corps service. He vividly recalls the details of orientation day, from eating at Chipotle to crafting a manageable class schedule—a stark contrast to the military’s rigid routines. Columbus, with its vibrant urban energy and revitalized neighborhoods, feels like a world away from his hometown of Middletown. The proximity to family allows for weekend visits, while his friend’s radio job connects him to the city’s social scene, making the transition exciting and full of possibilities.
Despite the new environment, the author finds familiarity in his social circle, as most friends and roommates hail from southwest Ohio. This observation leads to a reflection on “brain drain,” where talented individuals leave struggling hometowns for better opportunities elsewhere. His wedding party years later underscores this trend, as all his groomsmen had similarly left their small towns for good. The Marine Corps instills in him a sense of discipline and invincibility, enabling him to juggle academics, social life, and fitness with ease, a far cry from his earlier struggles in high school.
The author approaches college with a clear goal: law school. While his motivation stems from a simplistic desire to avoid poverty, he focuses on excelling academically and acing the LSAT. Financial independence is paramount, leading him to take a job at the Ohio Statehouse, where he gains a nuanced appreciation for politics—contrary to his grandmother’s cynical views. When finances tighten, he secures a second job at a nonprofit, balancing work and studies despite a professor’s concerns about his workload. His relentless drive reflects his determination to control his destiny.
The chapter highlights the author’s relentless work ethic and adaptability, shaped by his military background and upbringing. He thrives under pressure, taking pride in his ability to manage multiple commitments, even at the cost of sleep. His journey underscores a broader theme of upward mobility and self-reliance, as he navigates the challenges of college life while laying the groundwork for future success. The chapter captures a pivotal period of growth, where the author begins to carve out his path beyond the constraints of his past.
FAQs
1. How did J.D. Vance’s Marine Corps experience prepare him for success at Ohio State University?
Answer:
The Marine Corps instilled in Vance a strong sense of discipline, time management, and self-confidence that directly contributed to his academic success. He mentions waking up at 5:30 A.M. in the Marines made his 9:30 A.M. college classes feel easy by comparison. The structure also gave him the ability to handle an intense schedule—balancing classes, homework, late-night socializing, and early morning runs. Additionally, the Marines helped him develop planning skills, which he applied to his goal of attending law school. Most importantly, the experience made him feel “completely in control of [his] destiny,” a stark contrast to his earlier struggles in high school (pp. 179-181).2. What does Vance’s observation about his groomsmen reveal about the broader phenomenon of “brain drain”?
Answer:
Vance notes that all six of his groomsmen, like him, grew up in small Ohio towns, attended Ohio State, and then pursued careers elsewhere with no intention of returning home. This exemplifies “brain drain,” where talented individuals leave struggling communities for better opportunities, further depriving those areas of skilled workers. The chapter highlights how Ohio State acted as a pipeline for upward mobility, enabling students from declining towns to establish roots in more prosperous urban areas like Columbus. This pattern perpetuates economic disparities between thriving cities and stagnant hometowns (p. 180).3. How did Vance’s work experiences during college shape his perspective on politics and professionalism?
Answer:
Working at the Ohio Statehouse challenged Vance’s grandmother’s cynical view of politicians as “crooks.” He observed Senator Schuler and staff earnestly debating policy impacts, which humanized the political process. His struggle to find a second job—initially rejected for wearing combat boots, then succeeding after buying professional attire—taught him the importance of conforming to workplace norms. These experiences broadened his understanding of institutional systems while reinforcing practical lessons about adaptability (pp. 182-183). The contrast between his Marine Corps background and these white-collar environments marked a significant step in his social mobility journey.4. Why does Vance describe his financial situation as a source of both motivation and limitation during college?
Answer:
Though the GI Bill covered most tuition, Vance needed $20,000 for additional expenses, fueling his intense work ethic (taking two jobs and donating plasma) but also creating stress. His aversion to debt—a reaction to his family’s financial instability—drove him to extreme measures like working overnight shifts. While this hustle gave him pride, it also led a professor to criticize his overcommitment. This tension reflects Vance’s transitional phase: leveraging opportunities unavailable in Middletown while still grappling with socioeconomic constraints (pp. 181-183). His financial precarity underscores the hidden challenges faced by even high-achieving, low-income students.5. How does Vance’s attitude toward his hometown evolve in this chapter, and what factors contribute to this perspective?
Answer:
While Vance enjoys visiting Middletown, his immersion in Columbus’s vibrant economy and culture solidifies his detachment from his roots. He contrasts Middletown’s decline with Columbus’s growth—noting its “urban paradise” of startups and revitalized neighborhoods—and recognizes that his peers share his lack of desire to return. This shift stems from exposure to new possibilities through Ohio State and the Marine Corps, which expanded his worldview beyond the limited trajectories of his youth. However, his frequent visits show lingering ties, hinting at the complex push-pull dynamics of upward mobility (pp. 179-180).
Quotes
1. “Though I didn’t know it, I was witnessing a phenomenon that social scientists call ‘brain drain’—people who are able to leave struggling cities often do, and when they find a new home with educational and work opportunities, they stay there.”
This quote captures a key sociological insight about migration patterns from declining communities, illustrating the author’s personal experience with this broader trend among his peers from small Ohio towns.
2. “I felt completely in control of my destiny in a way that I never had before.”
This powerful statement marks a turning point in the author’s journey from a struggling high school student to a confident college student, highlighting the transformative impact of his Marine Corps experience on his self-perception and capabilities.
3. “I loathed debt and the sense of limitation it imposed.”
This concise declaration reveals a core value driving the author’s decisions during college, reflecting both his working-class background and his determination to maintain financial independence while pursuing education.
4. “Mamaw had thought all politicians were crooks, but I learned that, no matter their politics, that was largely untrue at the Ohio Statehouse.”
This quote shows the author’s evolving perspective on politics and governance, contrasting his grandmother’s cynical worldview with his more nuanced understanding gained through firsthand experience in government work.
5. “I liked staying up late to work on assignments, waking up early after only three or four hours of sleep, and patting myself on the back for being able to do it.”
This revealing passage demonstrates the author’s intense work ethic and the pride he took in his ability to handle an overwhelming schedule, showcasing both his determination and perhaps the beginnings of burnout.