I took the Buzz Feed quiz, How Privileged Are You? and was not shocked to see that I am "quite privileged". I became very aware of just how privileged I am when I made the decision 6 years ago to move back to New York state just so my daughter could attend a better education. Three things were already in place for me to do this. First, I did not have major financial burdens that can prevent many people from moving forward with their lives. Secondly, My mother insisted we move in with her until I found a place of our own. This now provided my daughter and me with a sturdy roof over our heads, warmth, and privacy as we both had our own rooms. I insisted on giving my mom money each month, but she also provided us with meals, internet and the ability to do our laundry whenever we needed to. Lastly, I moved with the knowledge that I could easily find work ( which I did). I found a teaching job in NY given my years experience and advanced degrees. These privileges came from being white, growing up in a stable 2 parent home, and the gift of advanced education. This privilege also extends to my daughter as she was able to leave a rural and underfunded school district in West Virginia and attend high school in an affluent suburb of Syracuse ( Skaneateles) that gave her not only advanced core classes but an outstanding choir and theater experience. So privilege can be passed on as she just got and acceptance letter to attend SUNY FIT in South Korea. I don't take my privilege for granted and I will remind my daughter of this as well. I chose a career of service as a way to give back and show my gratitude to my parents for all they have done for me. Acknowledging our privileges is important but giving back is our duty.
