“It must be nice not to have to worry about money,” I say under my breath. Shortly following my arrival at UD last semester, it became clear many students are here on mommy and daddy’s money. They are completely oblivious to the real money it takes to get them to be able to go here. I on the other hand cannot be so lucky. I come from a middle class family, but my parents are in no way able to afford the $30,000 price tag of college per year. However I know what I want, and what I am willing to do to reach my goals. Therefore, I choose to take matters into my own hands. I work 3 jobs, take out loans, and budget my money just so I can have what most students here don’t even think twice about. But this is not so much of a disadvantage, and I have come to realize there is a silver lining here.

Being here all on my own dime forces me to remain vigilant with my classes. If I skip a class, I am the one who loses money, about $150 per class to be exact. So I force myself out of bed every morning, bring myself to class, and I make the most out of my experience. I am more motivated to do well on my exams, as retaking the class would equal more money to be spent for me. I must budget my time better, as having a job on campus sacrifices precious time that is not very abundant during the semester. Therefore, I have become a master at time management. Often times, having my assignments done way before my roommates, despite us having the same deadlines.

I used to be bitter that most of the students here will never face the struggles I do simply because they have money. But I am slowly coming to the realization that I’m the one who will be better off in the long run; more motivated, responsible, a better planner. At the end of the day I am able to attend this university, and I am grateful for the opportunities it presents no matter how hard I may have to work for them.