My working-class roots

Admitted Student's Weekend at Scripps College for the class of 2020 took place in late April of 2016. To say I was excited to participate would have been an understatement.

I saw my chance to attend Scripps as a ticket to a whole new world. Born to working class parents, I knew the opportunity to pursue higher education at an elite academic institution would open doors for me I never thought possible. As an educator herself, my mom also preached the importance of higher education. She taught me and my brother to shoot for the stars, always try our best, and take advantage of every opportunity that presented itself. 

With all of that in mind, I was itching to attend Admitted Students Weekend. I could not wait to meet my future friends and professors, as well as get a chance to explore the campus. 

After listening to the school's president give her opening remarks and touring the campus, our first break in the day came during lunch time. Numerous white tables and lawn chairs were set up all over the main lawn so students and their families could each lunch while getting to know each other. After going through the buffet line and loading up my plate, I selected a seat at a table with 3 other girls and their accompanying parents. 

I sat down and introduced myself to everyone at the table. After some brief small talk, the conversation quickly turned to where each of the girls vacationed for spring break. I was shocked to hear some of the destinations: Mexico, London, and Thailand. When the girls turned to me, I told them I went to San Diego to visit some of my extended family, but my parents promised me I could go somewhere international next spring. 

What I told them was a complete lie. 

I was not prepared to share that I had only been out of the country once, and it was only because I vigorously fundraised so I can attend the trip with a cohort from my high school. My background as a working class kid felt so small and menial compared these girls who (come to find out) were had parents that were doctors and investment bankers. 

While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Scripps and received an amazing education, I never quite found people I connected deeply with. Sure, I had a group of friends and enjoyed socializing as much as any other college student. However, I came to learn my concerns were somewhat different than those of my friends. 

While my friends were always on the hunt for the next best place to party in downtown Los Angeles, I was hunting for extra hours at my work-study job. When they were worried about paying for a new outfit for an upcoming formal event, I was worried about saving money for gas.

Now five years removed from college, I wish I would have been more honest with my peers about my working class background.

In the article entitled "Coming Out as Working Class," Justin Quarry argues that those who have risen from poverty to assume positions of power and influence should "make ourselves be heard and known." This, Quarry stipulates, will show students it is possible to achieve upward mobility and that they are not alone. 

I could not agree with Quarry more. 

Authentic representation helps dismantle the stigma associated with the working-class identity. Too often, media and educational institutions perpetuate biases that portray the working class negatively or as "other," creating barriers to inclusion and opportunity. By openly sharing our stories, those of us from working class backgrounds can counter these narratives and offer students a relatable example of resilience and achievement. This visibility normalizes diversity in positions of power and expands the concept of who belongs in spaces traditionally dominated by middle- and upper-class individuals. 

In the years since, I have been doing my best to change my habits. When Scripps students reach out and ask to meet for a coffee chat, I always make sure to weave in my background; I want to make sure they know anyone can do it and their struggles are not solely their own to bear. By sharing my story, I hope it encourages other to share their own experiences.