If you are anything like me, you grew up in a very loving family. While my family can offer me all the love in the world, money is a different story. I have grown up around friends who have all the money they could ever need. I have always felt like I was missing out, but I now realize that they may be the ones who are missing out.

Growing up with money has its perks, but let me tell you, growing up without it shows you what the real world is like. If you get everything handed to you in life, how will you flourish on your own? Eventually mom and dad will not be there to support you financially.

There are many families at Xavier much like mine but sometimes we only allow ourselves to see the kids with the nicest car or backpack. We sit and cry because we didn’t get the newest phone or pair of shoes when our friend did. I’m finally learning the only thing that truly matters is the love of your family.

I often find myself complaining to my parents that I need a new wardrobe or gas money and when they shut me down because “the expense is too much,” I get mad and complain about it. I sit and pout about all the things my friends get to do because of their money and how lucky they are that they have no expenses of their own. I pay for my gas, my shoes, any clothes that aren’t school apparel, my makeup, my phone bill if I go over data, and so on. I take my hard earned paycheck I receive from St. Matthew’s ECC and use it on all the things many parents buy for their children.

As I grow older, I realize how grateful I am for my family and the things they make me do for myself. I am more prepared for my adulthood because of the expenses I already handle on my own. I will thrive after high school because I will know what the real world is like. Because I grew up less wealthy than many of my friends, it made me more determined to succeed.

I am forever grateful for my parents and how they have raised me. Money cannot buy happiness, love, or life lessons. All you need in life is a family who loves and supports you. The jealousy I used to have of my friends is now gone, and I only wish I could have realized sooner how good I have it.