Sometimes in life, we’re faced with situations we can’t control; we can only find ways to get around these roadblocks gracefully and learn from them. Sometimes I find myself unable to get around an issue, and in these times, I can feel hopeless. The past few summers were spent doing classes and focusing on my education. I hadn’t realized until recently what a privilege it was to be able to channel so much energy into seemingly extraneous endeavors, like environmental science during the summer, rather than physical labor for a paycheck. To invest in your education is a privilege I didn't acknowledge or appreciate as such, and you could say I took advantage of the opportunity.

This summer, I’ve had to work just as hard as other summers, but without a financial safety net. If I miss an afternoon of yard work or need a day off, I have to power through so I can get paid. Seeing your work manifested in the form of cash, just enough for a day or two of food, then immediately spending that money on groceries, then having to carefully and consciously count each item and weigh its importance against the other items is a new sensation that, while it makes me more of an adult, is also saddening. Though rewarding to pay bills and buy groceries, it’s difficult to have a desire for a book or movie, but be unable to afford it.

I took advantage of financial privilege for so long that I didn't notice the weight of responsibility until later. I’ve heard the saying, “You don't know what you have until it’s gone,” before, but it didn't click until now. I’ll continue to enjoy cooking for the very basic need of it, but doing this and knowing the opportunities I can afford as a working adult doesn't take all the sting out of mulling over the thought of a much needed break, like a trip to the waterpark or swimming pool. Things like gas and electricity don't materialize out of thin air, so I’ve come to be a much more conservative and waste-conscious person due to dire financial times. I enjoy my new frugality and awareness because I find myself being better prepared and organized at the grocery store.

I’ve become more dedicated to my work and conscientious of how my time is spent, which helps my overall mood in knowing I’m easing someone’s workload, even if only by a little bit. Being more appreciative of my parents' work to provide for me gives another dimension to my gratitude, and therefore, humbleness. Scheduling a social life around work has proved a real challenge, but one that’s made me stronger. Over time, the extremeness of a situation diminishes and you’re left with the impact, and you cope with the impact how you choose, whether it be positively or negatively. A lot of the challenges I face prove beneficial in the long run, even if it seems unfair or pointless at the time.