I am from a family with an annual income well above the average. My parents are not millionaires, but they are able to afford my education without any financial aid. Even though grateful, I bear the guilt of my financial status because somehow today, having an above-the-average background automatically puts you under the “spoiled” category. We perceive the rich to be corrupt, jealous, stingy, untrustworthy — anything but good. For generations, we resonate with individuals that strive from the bottom and take joy in rich people’s misfortunes, which makes me wonder, what happens when the poor people earn the wealth they deserve? When they get into a car accident, will people just post laughing emoji everywhere on social media and comment, “ha, karma is a bitch?”
Here are 6 things I would like to tell you about myself. Spoiler alert, I do not dress and act the part.
1. Every penny in my family came from my parents’ hard work.
My parents worked day and night to assure that I would receive the best education possible. I have absolutely no rights to claim any portion of that wealth. My family is not from an English-speaking country. My parents faced a language barrier, culture shock, and discrimination. When you are not born with privilege, you gotta work twice as hard, and that’s what my parents did. Every penny they earn tells the hardship they have overcome.
2. I did not buy my way into college.
How DO you buy your way into college anyway? You can’t shove cash in the admissions person’s face. By the way, I am the VP of a club that actually works for the admissions office so I do know who reviews everyone’s application… and they would not appreciate what I just said.
3. I care about school.
I work just as hard as everyone else. Not having to worry about financial status might have saved me some time from work studies, but I am not the kind of person that would let a B go on my transcript. I also try to be as involved on campus as possible. As for now, I have 5 officer positions, including president and vice president. I am an international orientation leader. I was the speaker at various campus-wide events. My financial background is never an excuse to stop working.
4. I don’t dress fancy on daily basis.
This might be my personal preference but a sweatshirt and jeans usually do the job. (I also got enough free shirts from volunteering already.) Maybe it’s just me but I’ve got no time to be fancy every day. Also, my school is on a hill, so I’m not sacrificing my legs.
5. I try to earn my own money
As I have mentioned, whatever money that I have right now does not belong to me. I took jobs and internships to lessen my parents’ burden as much as possible. I look forward to being financially independent just like everyone else. My parents deserve to enjoy the reward of their diligence. They keep telling me not to worry about money when I’m studying abroad or on whatever trips, but I keep a budget to myself. After all, they did not invest in me so I can live off them.
6. I have a diverse life.
Thanks to my parents, I was able to live in multiple countries throughout my life. I have met and befriended people from every nation and every background.
Again, I am not from a millionaire family that can afford a Rich Kids Instagram membership. My parents are committed and tireless workers, and so am I, and so will my kids be. I hope I don’t sound stingy or selfish — I just don’t want to take what I have for granted.
