Why I began this journey

I have this friend and she has a blog that makes me think a lot. She recently posted this

http://achildlikesenseofwonder.blogspot.com/2013/12/lucky-to-be-here.html

and I felt the desire to respond to it. Basically the gist is that she's never considered herself 'privileged' despite the fact that she is. My favorite quote was "Freely I have received, and so freely I must give."

My situation is slightly different than Katy's. When we talk about American poverty, well ... I got a full ride to college simply because my family is considered poor. Katy talks about having a different pair of shoes for every day of the week and I have one pair. They were $9. I own two pairs of jeans and seven shirts. That is my wardrobe. I don't have a room at home when I visit. Everything I own is in my current room at college. I only have a computer because of my scholarship. I have had many instances where I wonder where my next meal will be coming from. I have three different jobs during the school year. I'd like to think that I understand poverty.

 I don't


I am in college because in America, there are people that are willing to pay for other people to go to college. I have a roof over my head, food, and clothes. Not much, but I still have them. When there was a chance that a friend couldn't go to a conference because of money, I was going to front the money. Knowing that I would live off of soup for a while, it'd still be doable. Even if I gave away every dollar that I had, I'd still have soup. I'd still have a place to live. My roommate wouldn't let me become homeless and my friends wouldn't let me starve. I live in a place where the true concept of poor doesn't exist. I have less than many in America, granted. I am not poor. I can't be because my community wouldn't allow it. I may wonder about my next meal, but i'll never go hungry. I'll never spend days hoping for clean water, food, or sleep. My biggest worry is fitting into a community like DU. A place where my life style is looked down upon and not understood because everyone is used to having more than what they need.

I am used to having more than what I need

Many would disagree. It's amazing to watch people operate when they are wealthy. Somehow they need so much more than I knew existed. Hair cuts every 6-12 weeks. Waxing. Shoes and purses that match every outfit. Different outfits for different weather. Organic food. Gym equipment. Different forms of entertainment (computer, ipod, ipad, tv, radio, smartphone, gaming systems, and all of the accompanying accessories) Hair products. (besides a brush and ponytail) Makeup. (I am actually disgusted by the amount of different make that exists and how much of it is considered a necessity) I promise you that the list goes on, but it makes me sad to write all of this so i'm stopping now.

My point is, we are some how tricked into believing that we need more than we actually do. I think I have to much. I own some makeup and extra hair supplies. I get my hair cut more often than once a year. I own a light and a heavy jacket. (the only difference between my winter and summer wardrobes) I have a Television, which is completely unnecessary. I have $300 in saving and $100 in checkings and while most people would be scared by those numbers, it still feels like to much at times. I need the $100 for food and the rest of my bills are paid. So what is the $300 for? Safety I guess, but I don't need it. It is because of that $300 that I was willing to sponsor my friend to go to the conference. If someone needs something I have, I give it. Even if I 'need' it. The truth is, I don't need very much. No one does. 

Freely I have received, and so freely I must give. I have always been given enough to survive. Everything else is a luxury, so therefore I am very privileged.