There seems to be a stigma that my generation is full of selfish, entitled, lazy brats who have been handed everything their entire lives. While I'm sure it's still a good 50/50 ratio among young adults, I have witnessed this stigma first hand.
I've grown up around some people who are thoughtless with their (parent's) money. Money has no value or meaning attached to it because they've never had to earn it. I used to be envious of those kids... the ones with brand new Nike shoes every month and a new wardrobe every year. (I still have shirts hanging in my closet from seventh grade). But as I've gotten older I've realized how truly happy I am having to earn what I get. Have you ever noticed how if you buy something with your own money, even something as simple as say, a Contigo water bottle, you take care of that water bottle like it's the most valuable thing you have? Or the pair of jeans you bought for yourself are the ones that you refuse to eat in without a napkin on your lap? And oddly enough, when something is simply handed to you, it's awesome, but you care about it just a little bit less because you didn't have to exchange anything for it. You have no personal stake in it. It's because when you use your hard earned money to buy something you see it's value. You see that that water bottle was worth an hour and a half of your life and that pair of jeans was worth four hours of your life that you spent at work. You start appreciating the things you do have and you take care of them better which I truly think does lead to a happier life.
On a larger scale, there's college. I will admit I am envious of those who's parents are paying their way through college while I'm trying to not only get through strenuous classes but also work as much as possible so i can be in those classes. Not only will I be more proud of my degree once I finally make it to the end, but I will never be lacking the motivation to get me there. Honestly there's already been one too many times where I would have dropped it all if it weren't for all the loans I have to take out. Loans equal motivation. You have to take out loans to get through school, and get through school to pay off those loans. Loans are absolutely terrifying, but the only thing more terrifying than taking them out is the idea of not being able to pay them back. Which is exactly why I have to make it through and get my degree. It's not an option, and I am thankful for that.
So, if you're like me and are struggling and working your booty off to make it through, just remember how great it will feel when you finally make it and how thankful you will be for the life you have ahead of you.
