<p>I WAS a low income student. I attended an expensive private school my freshman year. I LOVED it there…and my reason for transfering had to do with my intended major…they didn’t have it.</p>
<p>My freshman year roommate’s family owned an OIL COMPANY. She never mentioned money at all…I’m not sure how I even found out what her family did. She was very down to earth. She had beautiful things and lots of money. I was a waitress in the dining hall…and had very little.</p>
<p>Sophomore year I transfered to a state school in my home state. I was self supporting. My roommate there was more wealthy than the first…something I really didn’t know until about 8 years after we graduated from college when I attended her society wedding. I had been to her house numerous times and her family was wonderful. </p>
<p>There were many things these friends were able to do that I could not do. One got an extended trip to Europe for college graduation. I was offered a job waiting tables for a relative. I was thrilled to have some money. She was thrilled to go on her trip and I still have the beautiful gifts she brought back for me.</p>
<p>I do think some kids will feel left out, or feel they can’t do some of the more pricey things…but really, they will find friends with whom to socialize who LIKE to do the things they like to do.</p>
<p>We are comfortable financially, but my DD’s favorite weekend activity was watching a movie with friends in the house or dorm. Sure, she went out…but she also stayed in. She wasn’t the only one.</p>
<p>Even now, I have friends who are much more financially solvent than I am. They are still my friends. Our friendships are not based on what we have…or don’t have.</p>