<p>I come from a poor background - let's just say under the poverty line, and say that things like being evicted were quite frequent in my past. I can say that Income affects a lot with what you can do in terms of college - from having to save my money to pay for my college apps, to the fact that I had to quit an EC because I couldn't afford it, to the fact that I still worry about the ~$1500 dollar contribution my parents have to make to my college tutition.</p>
<p>But, I was lucky enough to attend a parochial school on scholarship, where I had a lot of friends looking to go to top schools to help me on my way, but not having anyone to look up to, I had no clue on the "right way" to do it. This forum helped a lot in that aspect. Today, I have no idea what its like for someone to be a 20-something just out of college, because I'll be the first one.</p>
<p>But anyway, I'm now a member of the UPenn 2009 class, and am trying to put my past behind me, but it's tough.</p>
<p>I can say that legendofmax's story of sometimes envy of students who had an easier road is so very true. Even now, I know some kids who can mess up at college and still get a good job because of familial connections. Me - I can't mess up, I've come too far now. These students include my friends, and I'm not going to be jealous about the life they had. </p>
<p>The only thing I see left is that I still need to think about money when it comes to future job prospects, because I know I will need to support both my parents, included one who is disabled, and possibly also a sibling to a certain extent. </p>
<p>I like to tell myself that I just need to play the hand I was dealt.</p>