On Wednesday night I was trying to describe to my wife my whole approach and attitude towards training. She couldn't understand why certain things were frustrating me and why I was taking other things so seriously. I told her the following:

I look at it like this, BJJ is like higher education:

White Belt - You got into college (Team Serra is the Ivy League for sure, be proud!)
Blue Belt - Associates Degree
Purple Belt - Bachelor's Degree
Brown Belt - Master's Degree
Black Belt - PhD

Lately I feel like the guy who can't even find his way to the cafeteria!

So, just like getting an education, I am trying to study hard, learn as much as I can, and keep progressing. And just like college, I am trying to have some fun along the way as well, while keeping my goals in the forefront!

Awesome analogy. In our system, it generally takes about 8-15 years to get a black belt. Most college professors go to school for 8 years and they are considered "experts" in their field. Well, we like to think that our instructors are more than just experts in BJJ. We are very lucky at the Serra Academy to be able to learn from guys that are far more qualified than most other gyms. Like you, I'm trying to boost my resume, but I would value a Purple Belt at the Serra Academy slightly higher than a Harvard grad, because we rip their arm off and wipe our a** with their degrees.

so is muay thai like a trade school?

Muay Thai is like a school for wayward boys and girls. Like the 'A' Program in Hicksville High School, Eagle Ave, or BOCES ;^P
A professor in the martial arts is usually awarded after the person has been teaching for 'X' number of years(i don't remember the exact amount). In Brazilian jiu jits we usually call the instructor sensei or professor. Sensei is a title given to a person who has achieved proficiency in a skill (picking up ladies for example, one could joking be called a sensei with the ladies). Sensei is used after the person's name, such as, Serra sensei.
That's all the knowledge I'm gonna hit you with now!
-patolino

I've always called king of the hill "labwork" in my mind. I like the analogy of the original poster.

What am I a sensei at then Mike Sensei????