The Train

Imagine the world as a train. For now let's not worry about the existence of a conductor or the necessity of a destination. The train is simply moving forward, making occasional non-consequential stops. Everyone in the train has a role, a role that is chosen and can be changed at will. Some roles pay better than others, allowing you to buy the more expensive water bottle at the concession car. Some roles have more liberty than others, allowing you to spend your day in the train as you please. Some roles give you more power than others, allowing you to have some say on what happens in the train.
Each of us are born in a certain car, with its specific perks and attitudes. Through our lives, we can choose to move between cars but most of us stay in the same car throughout our lives. We are born in a car that already had a culture, a way of life, a rule of order before we were a part of it. Some of us are raised with the belief that the best role in the train is that which allows us to splurge on spring-filtered, electrolyte-balanced water. But as we live, the rules of the train change. The cost of water bottle goes down, you can afford all the necessities of life, the train is automated so there are very few necessary roles.
One of your classmates decides to work in the engine room, it is very important that the train keep moving. One of your classmates chooses to work at the concession car, the passengers need to be fed. One of your classmates wants to work in the first-aid car, but there are no open spots. Still he insists that is his calling and you really hope he gets it someday. Another one of your classmates decides to make a business out of managing other passengers' assets. Most of your classmates seem to be doing well for themselves.
One day you decide to walk outside of your car and explore other cars. You heard that car number 57 has very good desserts. You heard that car number 34 has good ambient music. You decide to see for yourself. As you walk through the cars, you realize that the janitors and cleaners tend to live between cars 23 and 26. Car 87 has almost all the bankers and lawyers of the train. You begin to wonder if the so-called success of your classmates is really due to their own merit or if it is because they were all born in car 73. You sit down for a moment and look out the window. Next thing you know it is your time to get off the train and you still haven't figured out where the train is going.