Recently, I read an article titled “My Parents Pay for Everything and I am Not Ashamed Of It.” I want to start off by saying in no way, shape, or form am I criticizing or attacking this article’s author. But I felt compelled to present another perspective.
My Parents Don’t Pay For Everything and That Makes Me Proud.
I have lived a very blessed life. I attended Catholic grade school, private high school, and I am now at an out-of-state university. I played school and club volleyball for 7+ years, participated in school plays and other extracurricular activities. I had a car available to drive, clothes to wear and food to eat. I am very grateful for each opportunity my parents offered me.
While I had much more than many had, I have maintained a steady job since the age of 14. I have been responsible to pay for clothes, gas, social outings, school books and supplies. On top of that, each year I take out a student loan in my name to pay for my college education. My parents have provided for me in a way that I am eternally grateful, but they have also taught me the responsibility of working for what I want.
Many would argue that working while in school would detract from my studies, but in fact it has been very beneficial. As I further my academia, I am also learning the importance of a work ethic, appropriate interactions with customers, coworkers and bosses, as well as responsibilities that cannot be taught in the classroom. I have learned the value of a dollar. I have learned to budget myself. I have learned to save my money for an adventure I desire to partake in.
I will not leave college debt free or with a “clean slate.” I will leave owing money (and a lot of it)
Although it's scary, I am okay with my student debt and loans.I do not view this money as a “burden” but rather the one of many steps I have taken to achieve independence and to lessen my own parents’ burden, while entering into adulthood.
But I am not proud that their money supported my first years of life or that they could sacrifice to send me to private school. I am thankful for those opportunities. I am grateful for those privileges. I am humbled by their hard work. I feel honored by those sacrifices.
I am not ashamed that my parents live comfortably but not luxuriously. I am not ashamed that they cannot afford to pay for my college education. But then again I have no reason to be ashamed. Money is only money. It is not a deciding factor in life, it does not make you a better person, nor will it guarantee a better life.
I am proud that I can fill up my gas tank, buy myself a new dress if I want or go to the movies with friends and not ask my parents for that money. I am proud that my college education will be entirely paid for by myself. I am proud that I can treat my mom to dinner or pay for a car repair.
In writing this, my desire is not to sound bratty or boastful, but rather to demonstrate that some people do not have the option to have a “clean slate” after college or have their parents buy them designer items. Some people have been given the gift of love and support but also the knowledge that supporting oneself and future is an important life lesson.
While I am happy for those fortunate enough to have everything paid for, I am happy in my own sense to say that I have the richness of independence and the ability to choose how to wisely spend my money. (That being said, if anyone does desire to contribute to my college fund feel free to contact me :))
