As someone that is fortunate enough to have parents who can afford to cover my student income contribution, I have seen a notable difference between my life and the lives of my close friends who do not share that same privilege. When I am scrolling through Facebook to find college teas or events happening on campus with notable guest speakers, my friends are scrolling through the Yale Employment website trying to find jobs that will fit into their already packed schedules. I have more often than once seen a friend turn down a fun social event, not because they did not want to attend, but rather because they needed to complete their 20-hour-a-week work commitment that funds both them and their families. I know that a part of growing up is learning sacrifice and compromise, but in the midst of sacrificing everything just to stay afloat, many FGLI students cannot find the time to reflect on what they feel is worth living for. The day, week, and sometimes month long wait times these students experience before getting therapy for these feelings is yet another snippet of proof that showcases that Yale was designed to keep low-income students struggling much more than their wealthier counterparts.
Abeera Saeed, She/Her, 2021, Franklin College
