Whenever I tell people about my childhood and that my parents are paying for my college, they automatically label me as “spoiled.” They assume that I get every little thing I ask for and want in life and that I’m a “spoiled little white girl.”
My parents have worked so hard throughout their careers and lives to be able to provide for my sister and I. I am fortunate enough to have them pay for my college tuition and the start of my future.
My parents were able to give my sister and I everything we needed throughout our childhood, but not everything we wanted. I remember being envious of my childhood friends who had cell phones and a TV in their room earlier than I did. I would ask my parents why I didn’t have that, but now I understand why.
As I grew up and my horizons expanded I started seeing the sad reality of others’ lives. Why was I complaining about not having a cell phone in 7th grade, when other people in the world were starving and thirsty? When I started realizing that, I became grateful and thankful for what I have and that my parents have been able to provide for my sister and I.
I can honestly never thank my parents enough for what they have done for us. I had a happy childhood full of lessons learned and memories. I wasn’t struggling to survive and parents were a united force.
My parents also made sure I got my first job at 16-years-old so I could learn the value of hard work and earning a dollar. I had a job up until fall 2016 when I transferred to VCU from a two-year community college. I quit because I was moving and knew the academic workload would be different. I have learned how to save money for necessities and when to treat myself occasionally because I worked hard for it.
I am a very empathetic person, I am always there for my friends to listen and give advice. My heart aches for those struggling and in need in the world. When I look at children in Africa or a homeless person, I just want to give them a hug and buy them food. I am extremely grateful for everything my parents have given me.
I understand some aren’t as well off as I am, especially when it comes to paying for college tuition and student loans. I give so much credit to those who work full or part time while being a college student, they deserve to be free of the burden of student loans. Those who have jobs, do their homework, study and participate in extracurricular activities inspire me on a daily basis.
Don’t call me spoiled just because my parents pay for my college education. I thank my parents for everything they do for me constantly, and I know that will never be enough. If I was spoiled, I would take money from my parents without a second thought or a “thank-you,” and that’s not who I am.
I will be forever grateful to my parents for paying for my college education, and I know in the future I will try to take care of them and pay for necessities they need as they age. At the end of the day, we all need to be thankful for all that we have and try to help those less fortunate than us. We are all on this earth together, we need to try not to label each other and instead lend a hand.