Yes, I Am A Rich Kid, But I Am Not Your Stereotypes
Start writing a post
Relationships

Yes, I Am A Rich Kid, But I Am Not Your Stereotypes

Spoiler alert, I do not dress and act the part.

912
Yes, I Am A Rich Kid, But I Am Not Your Stereotypes
Winnie Gu

I am from a family with an annual income well above the average. My parents are not millionaires, but they are able to afford my education without any financial aid. Even though grateful, I bear the guilt of my financial status because somehow today, having an above-the-average background automatically puts you under the “spoiled” category. We perceive the rich to be corrupt, jealous, stingy, untrustworthy — anything but good. For generations, we resonate with individuals that strive from the bottom and take joy in rich people’s misfortunes, which makes me wonder, what happens when the poor people earn the wealth they deserve? When they get into a car accident, will people just post laughing emoji everywhere on social media and comment, “ha, karma is a bitch?”

Here are 6 things I would like to tell you about myself. Spoiler alert, I do not dress and act the part.

1. Every penny in my family came from my parents’ hard work.

My parents worked day and night to assure that I would receive the best education possible. I have absolutely no rights to claim any portion of that wealth. My family is not from an English-speaking country. My parents faced a language barrier, culture shock, and discrimination. When you are not born with privilege, you gotta work twice as hard, and that’s what my parents did. Every penny they earn tells the hardship they have overcome.

2. I did not buy my way into college.

How DO you buy your way into college anyway? You can’t shove cash in the admissions person’s face. By the way, I am the VP of a club that actually works for the admissions office so I do know who reviews everyone’s application… and they would not appreciate what I just said.

3. I care about school.

I work just as hard as everyone else. Not having to worry about financial status might have saved me some time from work studies, but I am not the kind of person that would let a B go on my transcript. I also try to be as involved on campus as possible. As for now, I have 5 officer positions, including president and vice president. I am an international orientation leader. I was the speaker at various campus-wide events. My financial background is never an excuse to stop working.

4. I don’t dress fancy on daily basis.

This might be my personal preference but a sweatshirt and jeans usually do the job. (I also got enough free shirts from volunteering already.) Maybe it’s just me but I’ve got no time to be fancy every day. Also, my school is on a hill, so I’m not sacrificing my legs.

5. I try to earn my own money

As I have mentioned, whatever money that I have right now does not belong to me. I took jobs and internships to lessen my parents’ burden as much as possible. I look forward to being financially independent just like everyone else. My parents deserve to enjoy the reward of their diligence. They keep telling me not to worry about money when I’m studying abroad or on whatever trips, but I keep a budget to myself. After all, they did not invest in me so I can live off them.

6. I have a diverse life.

Thanks to my parents, I was able to live in multiple countries throughout my life. I have met and befriended people from every nation and every background.

Again, I am not from a millionaire family that can afford a Rich Kids Instagram membership. My parents are committed and tireless workers, and so am I, and so will my kids be. I hope I don’t sound stingy or selfish — I just don’t want to take what I have for granted.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

48659
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

30950
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954790
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

179595
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments