People thought my family grew up privileged. All I saw were 6 kids and I had to babysit to earn money for clothes and toiletries. Yes, I went to college an hour away from home but it was a state university and I worked three jobs. I always worked more than one job because I was a low paid teacher. I went to school until I was 38 and received two masters degrees and a Ph.D so I could go up the ladder in a field of mostly men - and make more money. Was I privileged? I don’t know but I do know that my parents’ commitment to my goals, my degrees and the work ethic my parents instilled in all of my siblings as well as me, has given me much to be thankful for. I feel blessed and tell younger people that when they say “you have so much compared to me.” Maybe I do, but I worked very hard for what I have today. So have all of you reading Sy’s newsletters. Don’t apologize for what you have - just remember to feel blessed by what you have and to give back.
People thought my family grew up privileged. All I saw were 6 kids and I had to babysit to earn money for clothes and toiletries. Yes, I went to college an hour away from home but it was a state university and I worked three jobs. I always worked more than one job because I was a low paid teacher. I went to school until I was 38 and received two masters degrees and a Ph.D so I could go up the ladder in a field of mostly men - and make more money. Was I privileged? I don’t know but I do know that my parents’ commitment to my goals, my degrees and the work ethic my parents instilled in all of my siblings as well as me, has given me much to be thankful for. I feel blessed and tell younger people that when they say “you have so much compared to me.” Maybe I do, but I worked very hard for what I have today. So have all of you reading Sy’s newsletters. Don’t apologize for what you have - just remember to feel blessed by what you have and to give back.
Thanks so much for sharing. So much great perspective to digest 🥰
So many of the things you raise here have my mind whirring. Yes! Can’t wait to read part 2.
Me too! Now that I've promised a part 2, I need to write it...!
I grapple with this word too and really appreciate you bringing your attention and thought to what it means for you. Looking forward to part two:)