A privilege refers to, “A special right, advantage, or immunity granted or available only to a particular person or group.”
Whether it is a big privilege, such as being economically stable, or even something as simple as having food on your table, it’s still considered a privilege. Nevertheless, these privileges are often overlooked by many.
I, for one, live in the United States with my family, with a roof over my head, food on the table and with the opportunity of learning. Some of which people--that aren’t as fortunate--lack in their life.
One of the privileges I don't possess is citizenship in the United States, which many of my peers--that were born here--have. As an undocumented student, I find myself in a difficult situation.
My mom decided to come to the United States to escape her poverty driven life back in Oaxaca. She believed that by moving here she would be able to provide her family back in Mexico and give me a better future.
As an undocumented student, I don’t possess the same tools/benefits many people with citizenship have, which often complicate things for me. This is why I often rely on my academic achievements in order to secure a good future for myself and my family.
It is for this very reason why I do and try my best in school. I know I am fortunate enough to be given this opportunity to study here in the United States and I won’t pass that up.
However, as grateful as I am for having this opportunity, I sometimes find myself questioning why others aren’t taking advantage nor acknowledging their citizenship privilege.
I have met my fair share of people that choose to believe school is not a privilege. Instead, they believe it is not something to be taken seriously or care about because “it is useless.”
I understand many of us share different opinions and they all should be acknowledged, nevertheless, we also shouldn’t act ignorant.
I have tried to address this ignorance but I’m responded with more ignorance.
During my summer school classes, I was lucky enough to hear the story of an undocumeneted student in college. She shared her struggles as an undocumeneted student.
In the process, she mentioned how fortunate students with citizenship were and how it shouldn’t be taken for granted because if she were in their position she would know its value.
After her presentation ended and as she left I heard a familiar comment I often get myself, “The only reason she tries and calls us out for not trying is because she is illegal, if she weren’t I bet you if she were in my position she wouldn’t even bother with school and she would be lazy like many of us.”
I have experienced this ignorant remark time and time again, which often does not sit well with me. Acting ignorantly towards your citizenship privilege--or any privilege for that matter--is not something I appreciate because you are disregarding others.
Regardless of my situation, I appreciate everything I have in my life find myself appreciating everything I have in my life because I know some people aren’t given some of the things I'm given.
I believe that we shouldn’t feel guilty for having these privileges but we also shouldn’t disregard them as well. Now have you checked yours?
Whether it is a big privilege, such as being economically stable, or even something as simple as having food on your table, it’s still considered a privilege. Nevertheless, these privileges are often overlooked by many.
I, for one, live in the United States with my family, with a roof over my head, food on the table and with the opportunity of learning. Some of which people--that aren’t as fortunate--lack in their life.
One of the privileges I don't possess is citizenship in the United States, which many of my peers--that were born here--have. As an undocumented student, I find myself in a difficult situation.
My mom decided to come to the United States to escape her poverty driven life back in Oaxaca. She believed that by moving here she would be able to provide her family back in Mexico and give me a better future.
As an undocumented student, I don’t possess the same tools/benefits many people with citizenship have, which often complicate things for me. This is why I often rely on my academic achievements in order to secure a good future for myself and my family.
It is for this very reason why I do and try my best in school. I know I am fortunate enough to be given this opportunity to study here in the United States and I won’t pass that up.
However, as grateful as I am for having this opportunity, I sometimes find myself questioning why others aren’t taking advantage nor acknowledging their citizenship privilege.
I have met my fair share of people that choose to believe school is not a privilege. Instead, they believe it is not something to be taken seriously or care about because “it is useless.”
I understand many of us share different opinions and they all should be acknowledged, nevertheless, we also shouldn’t act ignorant.
I have tried to address this ignorance but I’m responded with more ignorance.
During my summer school classes, I was lucky enough to hear the story of an undocumeneted student in college. She shared her struggles as an undocumeneted student.
In the process, she mentioned how fortunate students with citizenship were and how it shouldn’t be taken for granted because if she were in their position she would know its value.
After her presentation ended and as she left I heard a familiar comment I often get myself, “The only reason she tries and calls us out for not trying is because she is illegal, if she weren’t I bet you if she were in my position she wouldn’t even bother with school and she would be lazy like many of us.”
I have experienced this ignorant remark time and time again, which often does not sit well with me. Acting ignorantly towards your citizenship privilege--or any privilege for that matter--is not something I appreciate because you are disregarding others.
Regardless of my situation, I appreciate everything I have in my life find myself appreciating everything I have in my life because I know some people aren’t given some of the things I'm given.
I believe that we shouldn’t feel guilty for having these privileges but we also shouldn’t disregard them as well. Now have you checked yours?