Stop Telling Us That We're "Lucky"
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Stop Telling Us That We're "Lucky"

First-generation, low-income, and/or minority students face this issue of being inaccurately labeled "lucky."

694
Stop Telling Us That We're "Lucky"
Brian Snyder / Reuters

Throughout high school and now in college, I have faced this concept of being told I am “lucky.” According to the Webster dictionary, the term lucky is defined as, “resulting from good luck.” I can’t help but feel confused as to why I would be labeled lucky when the context that term is being used in is not even applicable to the situation. Let me explain:

1. “Wow, you’re so lucky that you’re Latino and low-income because you could apply to _____ scholarship.”


Personally, I find this extremely disrespectful. I was not given a coin and asked to flip it and if it landed on heads, then I would be Latino and low-income. If that was case, then yes, my chances of being able to identify with these identities will make me “lucky.” However, that is not the case. Stating that I am “lucky” to identify as a minority and low-income student is implying that “good luck” gave me my identity. I didn’t choose to be Latino or to be low-income. If people were more knowledgeable of what it is to be low-income and to be Latinx in this country, then they would understand that identifying with both identities comes with burdens. These identities carry the burden of facing barriers in your journey to get a higher education. It means that people will doubt your potential and will always find a way to discredit your accomplishments.

And as for these scholarships. Yes, there are scholarships that cater to low-income and/or Latinx students. These scholarships cater to these students because they want to address the issue of students that align with these identities being extremely underrepresented in higher education settings. So, no, Latinx students and/or low-income students are not lucky by identifying with these identities. There is much more to being Latinx and being low-income than simply being able to apply to a scholarship(s).

2. “You’re so lucky that you are first-generation because you will stand out to colleges.”

Of course, I wanted to tackle the college admissions process without the guidance of my parents or older sibling simply because I wanted to be able to check the first-generation box on my college application. No, that is ridiculous. It is nerve-wracking to not be able to know where to apply to or what major to look into simply because my family members are clueless of the college application process. Yes, being first-generation and doing well academically makes an applicant stand out. However, it is not because they are only just first-generation, it is because regardless of the barriers faced as first-generation, they still manage to be strong candidates for the institution. Being first-generation does not give you an upper hand to college applications; on the other hand, it gives you many more barriers than a student that doesn’t identify as first-gen.

3. “You’re lucky that you have a rough background because you have a story to write about in your essays.”


Okay, seriously? I guess we want to be poor, we want to be abused, we want to be homeless, or we want to go through crazy sh*t to be able to talk about it in our college essays. Life gave us the “good luck” that we deserve to go through tough experiences so that we could have stories to write about in our essays. That is just ludicrous. Our experiences are things that we hold close to us because in many cases they empower us. They remind us that regardless of what we went through, we are here, standing firm and moving forward. No, we’re not lucky to have experienced hardships. We never asked for them nor did we ever want them, but they happened and we went through it, and we survived. And trust me, many of us wouldn’t wish for any other person to go through the things we went through because we understand what it is like to go through the things we went through.

4. “You’re lucky that you got into ________ University/College.”


Remember, the term “lucky” means “resulting of good luck.” If the admissions process into colleges and universities was determined merely by luck, then I would have not worked as hard as I did on my college essays. Stating that an individual is lucky to have been admitted into an institution is taking away from their hard work and dedication. Institutions do not admit students based on how lucky they are. They admit students on their academic record, extracurriculars, essays, character, and other factors involved in the holistic review process. So, no, we are not lucky to have been accepted to certain institutions.

The Take-Away:

The take away of this is that low-income, first-generation, and/or minority students are not in any way “lucky.” We are students that have crossed mountains, broken down walls, and been beaten down to our knees throughout our journey to a higher education. So, don’t you make us feel like we are “lucky” to be in the same classrooms as you or “lucky” to be able to apply to certain scholarships. We are much more than lucky. We are warriors, survivors, and individuals with amazing stories. Instead of lucky, we are honored. We are “honored” to be at top-tier universities to be able to tell our stories. We are "honored" of being given the opportunity to apply to scholarships that will allow us to attend these amazing universities. The word honored is defined by the Webster dictionary as, “respect that is given to someone who is admired.” We are admirable, so give us the respect we deserve.


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

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71409
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

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

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133468
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

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments