A few weeks ago this was shared with me – a very powerful video on privilege (see below).

This video definitely put into perspective the countless times I’d complain about things being unfair, life being unfair, or those times I’d be so upset with my parents over minute things. All so petty.

As a child, I was lucky enough to go to private Catholic schools from Kindergarten all the way through to 12th grade. Growing up, I never had to worry whether there would be food on my plate, or if I’d be pulled out of school because we couldn’t afford it, or whether I’d have a warm bed to sleep in at night. Don’t get me wrong, we were not well-off by any means, but we had just what we needed. Both my parents worked, with my dad often pulling over time shifts, just in order to provide for the family and ensure that we could get by – even if we were living off paycheck to paycheck.

In middle school and high school, when technology started catching up with us, I know I was constantly begging to have the newest pager, cellphone, or even Tamagotchi (Lord, remember those?). Did I always get my way? No. Did I throw tantrums every time? You bet, I did. But looking back at it now, I’m even more grateful for my parents. Though I’m sure they wish they could give me what I wanted, they made sure I got at the very least what I needed.

This puts the “Privilege Race” back in the forefront. Privilege and opportunity. Loaded words at the very minimum. Some wonder why I try so hard. “Go have a life,” they say. And so on and so forth. What some don’t understand is integrated in this very video. Was I privileged when growing up? In this context, yes. So, I will not waste opportunities laid out in front me because of that. More than anything, I would love to repay my parents for allowing me to have a chance at these opportunities. I’d love for them to be able to retire soon and enjoy retired life. So, that’s why I try hard. There’s no excuse for me not to.

Take a couple of minutes to watch this and ask yourselves the same questions. After, what will you do now?

Till next time,