To all my lovely fellow students: Please, please, please check your privilege.

Don’t get me wrong! We do live in an era where we are all fairly entrenched in (and ruthlessly screwed over by) the higher education system. College in the United States is almost painful to access, often costing us an arm and a leg… and maybe even a liver (it’s no coincidence that people make jokes about donating organs to help pay their tuition), and alas! Because of this, the “broke college student” trope was created.

The Broke College Student. The “I live off Cup Noodles and Oreos” student. The “I cry whenever I check my bank account” student.

It’s kind of cool to find community within this messy, self-deprecating self-categorization. Similar to any label, being “totally broke” serves an endearing purpose; it makes people feel connected—as if we’re all, truly, in this together. (Yes, cue up the "High School Musical" soundtrack.)

But... we’re kinda not...

I mean, it’s just not that simple because it’s just not that true. Many students are definitely not broke, but rather, pretty well off... The amount of times some of my friends have dished out $30 on dinner at a cute Thai restaurant in SoHo, for instance, just proves this disparity.

And there is no judgment (or wrongness in any sense) toward people having money and choosing to spend it on food or clothes or other things that make them happy. That’s perfectly fine. It’s actually totally understandable, and I’m all for spoiling yourself if you have the means to do it.

What is a little concerning, however, is the same person who spends $20 on a new lipstick at Sephora or $9 on a cup of coffee in the morning blurting out phrases like “#brokecollegestudent” in conversation. As if they, too, know the "struggle."

Of course, there are many complexities in this concern, and likewise much room for speculation.

For instance, how broke is "broke"? What qualifies? Can you really call yourself broke if, at the end of the day, you have food on the table and a bed to sleep in?

Perhaps not.

Regardless, it’s important to always remember that we all come from vastly different backgrounds, different classes, and different overall financial situations. Likewise, these are delicate matters, and we should treat them a little more thoughtfully.

Though it is not necessary (or beneficial, even) to nitpick and assume we know people’s lives solely based on what we see them purchase or use—how much money you have or don’t have is a personal business, after all—it is nonetheless vital that we reconsider how we present ourselves.

Because generalizing yourself in the wrong way is just… offensive. It belittles those actually affected. It makes light of a situation that is actually prevalent to many students who are faced with the challenge every single day.

So basically, just be more mindful. Be respectful. Be aware of your privilege, but also know that your problems are not less valid just because others have more “legit” issues...

Whether you’re actually quite “broke” or well off, or anywhere in between, just remember: We got this. We will persevere. We can and we will come out of this college thing alive.

But “we” are definitely not all the same…and that’s so important too.