Annie
Diamond Member
- Nov 22, 2003
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I'm probably taking this a bit off topic, sort of. I do not have 'disdain' for poor people. I'm pretty darn close to 'poor' myself. I was raised with pretty 'middle class' upbringing, yeah probably better than 'middle'. I married well. I divorced poorly. , not really, but financially.
What differentiates me from the woman in the article is that my energies were directed at getting my children raised, helping them get scholarships, grants, and loans for school, and doing all in my power to provide for myself in my 'old age.' The idea of applying for aid never was considered, though the kids would have qualified for 'breakfast and lunch', no way. They didn't have the expensive clothes, but they 'set style'. That I could teach them.
There were 2 years where I averaged over 80 hours per week, so that I could get the experience to get a teaching position; at the same time dealing with a part time job, (32 hours per week) that would give me medical coverage. That was working in the meat department, (butcher's union), at a major grocery store chain.
At the time, one of the kids was in 5th grade, one in 8th, and one in first year of hs. We had just moved, so the two older were enrolled in schools that were more than 12 miles from home. The one wanted to graduate from 8th were he'd gone since 1st grade, the daughter wanted to finish her first year.
My problem with anyone that is 'poor' is when they are not encouraging or setting example for their children to do better. Education and work ethic are everything that American kids need to succeed. It's hard, but very doable. My kids are now in their 20's, doing well, educated and know how to work, make a dollar stretch, and take responsibility. I feel very successful.
What differentiates me from the woman in the article is that my energies were directed at getting my children raised, helping them get scholarships, grants, and loans for school, and doing all in my power to provide for myself in my 'old age.' The idea of applying for aid never was considered, though the kids would have qualified for 'breakfast and lunch', no way. They didn't have the expensive clothes, but they 'set style'. That I could teach them.
There were 2 years where I averaged over 80 hours per week, so that I could get the experience to get a teaching position; at the same time dealing with a part time job, (32 hours per week) that would give me medical coverage. That was working in the meat department, (butcher's union), at a major grocery store chain.
At the time, one of the kids was in 5th grade, one in 8th, and one in first year of hs. We had just moved, so the two older were enrolled in schools that were more than 12 miles from home. The one wanted to graduate from 8th were he'd gone since 1st grade, the daughter wanted to finish her first year.
My problem with anyone that is 'poor' is when they are not encouraging or setting example for their children to do better. Education and work ethic are everything that American kids need to succeed. It's hard, but very doable. My kids are now in their 20's, doing well, educated and know how to work, make a dollar stretch, and take responsibility. I feel very successful.