Clothing, shoes, backpacks—every item had to stretch far beyond its intended life.
Fixing, patching, reusing, and improvising were normal skills. For many poor kids, attending a public school is the norm. They understand the challenges of limited resources, overcrowded classrooms, and outdated textbooks. Rich kids, on the other hand, may attend private schools with smaller class sizes, better facilities, and more resources, making it difficult for them to comprehend the struggles faced by those in public education.
Growing up without much money shapes you in ways that stay with you forever. It teaches you to notice the small things, to stretch what you have, and to find joy in the simplest corners of life. These are experiences many poor kids share — things understood instantly by those who lived them, and often invisible to those who never had to. Poor kids sometimes experience the harsh reality of skipping meals due to financial constraints. They understand the pangs of hunger and the importance of making do with what’s available.
