When I was little, I was blissfully unaware of my family’s lack of money. Sure, we ate tacos and spaghetti a lot, but I thought every family did. My parents worked ridiculous hours and worried about money, but I thought that was normal. When I finally realized other families didn’t eat tacos every other night, I was embarrassed. I lived in a rich area -- the kind of rich where wealthy families' dogs had more clothes than I did. I didn’t usually invite my friends to my house and I used Plato’s Closet to fit in with the brands I was surrounded by because I refused to let my weakness be known.

Now, I am not embarrassed. I am grateful for my modest upbringing. I have mastered the art of making roman noodles. I can find the best sale at any store. I know how to negotiate at garage sales. I am great at finding change around the house to pay for gas. I can find a gem at Savers or Goodwill. I can turn a pair of jeans into shorts, and then into a (very ugly) purse. My lack of money has forced me to make up for it in other ways; and for that, I am grateful.

Growing up without a lot of money has also made me value it differently. I don’t really care if I end up rich. I won’t pick my major or career based off of salary. I can’t bring myself to buy more than half a tank of gas because watching the dial go up gives me anxiety. My friends are blowing through hundreds of their parent’s dollars in the first few months of college, while I struggle to justify buying anything that isn’t a necessity. It makes me nauseous when large sums of money are spent so casually. Everyone says they want to live so that they never have to think about money. The only people I hear talk about money are wealthy people. They promptly inform you how much they spent on furniture, or how much a plane ticket was to a tropical island. They may not have to worry about money, but it still consumes them.

I have had a job since I was 15-years-old, which has made me appreciate the things I buy. I wouldn’t appreciate these things as much if they were handed to me. I value every minute in class because I know it was not easy getting here and I know I can’t afford to waste money or time. I don’t think I would be a very good rich person anyway. I hate skiing, I’m not a huge fan of ponies, and I don’t think I’d like caviar.

I am proud. I am proud of every hour of work my mom has poured into our family. I am proud of that one sketchy apartment we lived in. I am proud of every taco night. I am proud that I didn’t grow up wealthy. I am proud to be a part of a family that struggles together.