I guess they should take on more college debt to get a programming degree, right? Or in your world, the minimum wage is just for kids, is that it? Or it is just their fault that you got lucky where something you like is high paying, and something they like and are good at pays shit?

You don’t need a degree to learn programming. There are many, many other jobs besides programming that pay more than minimum wage with varying levels of requirements. People hanging drywall and digging ditches make more than minimum wage.

You think everybody with a job paying more than minimum wage is doing something they love?

Welding, auto repair (though the barrier to entry is tools), HVAC, electrician, plumbing, etc.

College as a "necessary tool" to get work is seriously broken. I've considered hanging up my "programming" hat and becoming a fabricator (welder, machinist, etc). Not because of the money, but because I know 1) I could make a decent wage and 2) I would enjoy the work more.