Thursday, August 2, 2012

So You Think You're Poor, Huh?

I often hear the phrase, "I am a poor, college student," while I am on campus (or for that matter, even off campus).  Then that same person pulls out their new ipad or iphone for class.  Am I wrong for raising my eyebrows at this?  There are people in other countries living off $2 a day on average, or less.  Not that you have to be to that point in order to be poor.  I have felt poor before, but that's because I had $20 left in my account and about three weeks left in the semester with no job.  I felt justified in saying I was poor at that time.  I even feel justified in saying I'll be poor at least for the first few years of being married, because it's very likely my husband and I both will be working two jobs and need financial aid in order to support us through school.  I feel rich at the same time though, because there are things that are more like treasure than money.  Marrying the love of my life will make me feel richer.  Having a wonderful family and in-laws will make me feel richer.  Sitting down to dinner with my husband-- even in our very busy lives-- every day will make me feel happy, and rich.

I certainly feel irritated though when a kid who has their college tuition paid for, has a decent car, has an ipad or iphone, has a sturdy roof over their head, and still has money left over to buy a bunch of frozen dinners and fast food on a daily basis is complaining about being poor.  How about just saying, "I sure am grateful for all that I have."  It really isn't hard.  Try telling people who stand on a corner or dig through trash for food that you are poor. That would be a laugh!

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