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Old May 01, 2007, 10:19 AM
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Perna Perna is offline
Pandita-in-training
 
Member Since: Sep 2006
Location: Maryland
Posts: 27,289
I think there are lots of situations we don't fit in, especially when we're changing "locations"/situations? I try to remember and remind myself when I'm new to something; a situation or a skill, and let myself be new and not a "member" yet. Think of joining a regular club, the first time you go you don't fit yet, don't know anyone or if you're interested in joining or if they'll have you, etc. Often someone thought you'd enjoy that group (Did a teacher recommend you go to college, see "potential" in you? Where did you get the "idea"?) but maybe they made a mistake, is what runs in my head usually. Or, if I see something I think I want, what if it/they don't want me?

Think about your own children (actual or imagined future ones :-) would you want them to be "children of privilege" and go to college? Would you feel because you worked hard to get where you are they should have to work equally as hard? My husband's sons; he had them get a job in summers to pay as much as their tuition as they could and then he'd make up the rest (they all three dropped out of college). I went to college back in the 60's and early 70's and my parents paid my way (though I had summer jobs each year). My husband had a scholarship and one of my brothers went to an armed forces academy which my stepmother use to hold that up against me (even though women weren't allowed in yet).

I think attitudes are very personal based on one's own experiences but I also think we have "similar" experiences in that whatever we're born into, we have to "leave" and make our own way and I think everyone is a bit insecure doing that. If I watch "rich" people on television, especially kids, I sometimes feel a bit sorry for them because, to a certain extent, it's like a cage and harder to break out of because they aren't taught/don't have to learn to do some things themselves growing up? I sometimes feel sorry for some guys that way too; I was taught to take care of myself and others; do laundry, cook, etc. but some people weren't. I had to take my husband grocery shopping and "teach" him about how to pick fruits, vegetables, meat, etc., things I take for granted. I think the more and wider "experiences" we have, it can be helpful? I think your children of privilege are going to be thrown back upon themselves at some point and may not have the background/stuff to hang in there. It's one thing to have "book" learning and another to have "experience."

I am reminded of the song (I just heard again last week) Johnny Cash's "A Boy Named Sue." :-)
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