Exploring the Privilege in Our Everyday Lives

Have you ever wondered what the greatest privilege in life you have experienced truly is? It could be as simple as having a car or personal means of transportation, or as significant as being part of a dedicated athletic team. These experiences, while often overlooked, are many times the result of an unearned advantage that enriches our lives. Let's dive into the various privileges that fall into our laps and the impact they have on our daily experiences.

Privilege of Personal Transportation

For many, the ability to own a vehicle and have personal transportation is a luxury that not everyone enjoys. Personally, the experience of relying on public transportation has been an eye-opener. Schooling is far from my residence, obtaining a driver's license was out of reach, and my mother's work schedule left me with no alternative but to use the bus. Public transportation, in my experience, has been less than ideal.

The bus journey to and from school has been fraught with numerous challenges. I have encountered individuals shouting and making scenes within the confines of the bus, passengers seated too closely, and the constant weird glances and odd stares. One even went as far as to record me. These incidents have made me appreciate the ease and convenience of having personal transportation. It is often such simple, everyday occurrences that we take for granted but can be a blessing in disguise.

Navigating Academic and Professional Life as an Athlete

Another significant privilege I have experienced is that of being an athlete. While being a serious athlete requires immense effort and dedication, it comes with its own set of perks. For instance, the ability to inform teachers and professors about team commitments and request adjustments to academic schedules, such as taking an exam early or late, or even being absent entirely, is a privilege.

Being an athlete also allows for dietary accommodations in restaurants. As an athlete with specific dietary requirements, the ability to request that dishes be altered is not only a privilege but also a necessity. For example, being able to substitute fries for a salad without any additional cost is something I've come to appreciate.

In professional settings, my training schedule often necessitates that certain hours are reserved for mental and physical recovery. Employers, most of the time, respect this and allow me the flexibility to be absent during those times. Being able to navigate both the academic and professional world with ease, thanks to my athletic privilege, is a significant advantage.

Scope of Privilege in Education and Childhood

Looking back, I was fortunate to have been raised in an upper-middle-class family. This privilege ensured that my parents could afford to send me to a private school, providing me with a quality education. Additionally, the financial security allowed me to attend high school without the need to work, thereby dedicating my time to study.

The opportunities provided by this privilege were immense. I was able to compete for full-ride scholarships, which were seen as unattainable by many. Being eligible for my preferred college and graduating without the burden of debt allowed me the freedom to explore my interests without financial constraints. Though I acknowledge the hard work involved in securing these privileges, the opportunity to pursue them in the first place is undoubtedly a significant aspect of my privilege.

It is essential to recognize these privileges and understand the impact they have on our lives. By doing so, we can better appreciate the many unearned advantages we enjoy and strive to use them to benefit others around us.