Recognizing my privilege was something I learned to do more in Women's Studies this past semester, and here's what I learned.
What I've found most surprising about my privilege is that I didn't know that not as many people would be money privileged as I am at this University. UNH is an expensive school so I thought it would be a little different here. Privilege has shaped my experiences, opportunities, and life chances by a lot. My privilege has allowed me to visit many places and three different countries for my birthday. It's allowed me to go to this school without huge fear of being in debt. It has also allowed me to go take different experiences because I didn't have to pay for them, thanks to the hard work of my parents. It's allowed me to do many luxurious family vacations. I've lived a gracious, but privileged lifestyle since I was a child.
Privilege interacts in my life every day. Every day I am allowed to take these classes that others aren't, I am allowed to buy coffee or other food and drink when I want, and I'm allowed to have a car that I didn't even have to pay for. I don't think I'm oppressed in my life. I don't feel like everybody else some days, but I don't think that effects my everyday life. The only privilege that has really been standing out to me lately is money, but I am grateful for everything that I have.
I've lived a special kind of lifestyle. I've learned to enjoy the little things, but I've also acquired a taste for the finer things in life. I still have to work, I still have to make money, and I still have to pay for part of my education as a deal with my dad. I don't get everything I ever wanted, but I do get some nice gifts. I am happy to learn more about my privilege, and I'm happy I recognize it. I'm also happy I've got to see people with very little privilege, like in Cambodia. It taught me a lot and showed me that I am lucky to be where I am. It makes me really empathetic to what they have been through. I think it's important people recognize their privilege. Even if we don't have a lot, we have something.