I am incredibly grateful for my childhood. I would not have changed it for the world. I grew up in a upper-middle class suburb, and for my entire life I was never the wealthiest kid in my grade, but I was always fortunate enough to have everything I needed; however not necessarily getting everything I wanted. When I began attending Union College, I was in for a rude awakening and was exposed to some major cash. This reality check caused for some major observations. Here are some common problems if you too are a poor kid at a rich kid school.

1. You're friends often complain about various incidents involving their cleaning ladies or maids.

2. Instead of spending Christmas skiing the Alps and spring break in the Caribbean, you're traveling back home to sit on the couch.

3. Not having your car on campus.

4. Constantly worrying about summer jobs and getting an increase in pay.

5. Having to shop at Target, Marshall's and Old Navy and even the thrift store because there's no way you're spending $120 on leggings from Lulu Lemon.

6. Getting a card from your parents with no money in it while your friends open their cards with a $50 bill EVERY TIME. (This isn't really a problem, I love getting cards from my mom).

7. Relying on meal swipes instead of going out to eat all the time.

8. Having an overwhelming fear of looking at your bank account.

Regardless of our economic differences, I love my college buds and all their cash!!