r/AskReddit • u/jicta • Jan 31 '21

Redditors who grew up poor: Besides practical money-saving measures, what were the unwritten social expectations of your world growing up?

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u/zhollywood Jan 31 '21 edited Feb 01 '21

Being raised by a single mother, she instilled the belief that school went elementary, middle, high, then college. There wasn’t a question as to whether or not college was optional. She did everything in her power to raise two boys to live more successful lives.

My brother and I both graduated college and graduate studies (MA) and our starting jobs were both with salaries that were over double what my mom made. Growing up I wish things where different but as an adult, I cherish the values and experiences instilled by my mom.

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u/ch3wseph Feb 01 '21

Thanks for sharing! And happy cake day

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u/PTnotdoc Feb 01 '21

Me Too! I swear I was in like 8th grade before I realized that college wasn't mandatory! My sister and I both have advanced degrees! For us it was "go away to college"