This is based off a true story. The events that had occurred have not weakened me, but strengthen my spirit to do what I had to do to succeed. But it wasn't what this person said that shocked me the most, it was their position in the matter that left me with my mouth open. Allow me to explain...
This person who shall not be named, had been involved in "fighting" for the education of children in public schools who has a masters from an Ivy League school, that shall also not be named. I was being taught leadership skills from this individual who is a mutual friend of a friend of mine. Aside from them, I was involved with other educational leadership programs but no one has treated me like this before than this person. I was a Junior in high school, and so I was already highly active in the college searching process, asking countless people questions on the college experience and etc. But because this individual went to an Ivy League school, I was considering applying to it since I was within the top ten of my class and had a pretty heavy looking resume so I thought "why not?" This is when the story got hot.
I do not like to include race into this nor do I like to include economic classism either but that is where this is going. I am Hispanic and low income, and this person was not and they knew it (this person does not represent their race and class as a whole so please do not feel like I am generalizing here because I am not). So as I am asking for advice and perspective, the words that uttered this person's mouth brought my mood down to the floor. The most shocking thing is, this is a person who is fighting for education for all. What they said was, "won't you feel out of place? I mean, seeing everyone with money and stuff? I don't think it's a good fit for you." I kid you not this person said this and I felt so low afterwards. But you know something it's people like that, that don't want to see me make it in the future. And so you know what I did? I got back up and fought for MY education regardless of support.
Yes I am low income and so I cannot afford an education that'll leave me with $50,000 x 4 in debt. So I decided to attend Community College which in their eyes was the lowest anyone can go. I made it out in 3 years and transferred swimmingly to a 4 year school. I am on my way to completing my 4 year career in 5 years debt-free and more confident about myself more than ever before. I never believed that the school made the student, but the other way around, the student makes the school. Ask anyone in any Ivy League school what they are being taught and they will tell you that it is the exact same thing as any four year school. The name just adds flavor to your resume and that's all. But success is not given in a name, it is given with what you do with the name. So yes I might have felt out of place but I am in college for an education, not to feel rich. But one day I will be because I believed in myself when that person did not. So thanks to that person, I WILL be someone.
Sincerely,
A future accountant.
Don't believe me just watch.
This is just my experience hoping to serve as an inspiration to ANYONE that is feeling down and unworthy of a better future. Never listen to people that want to bring you down and who never believed in you in the first place. Stand up and prove them wrong. I believe in you. Regardless of race and class, you are worthy. Always remember that.
