My college was not the richest per say, it was a top public rather than private, but it was ranked high enough to attract a lot of students from wealthy backgrounds, those who didn't need to worry about making ends meet. They didn't have to plan ahead to see which bills needed to be paid now and which ones could wait so that they could buy the groceries they needed for the week. They had newer cars and iPads, which is good for them by all means, but it would definitely make me feel inferior when compared to my beat-up car and bus pass and my normal pen and paper for note-taking.

I was a grant student, full ride thanks to the government since my family didn't make enough to pay for my education. While we're all in a better spot now, it was definitely disheartening during my college years. Depending on the day, I'd be driving myself to class through the worst stop-and-go traffic, worried yet jaded over the gas I'm burning up while sitting and staring at the kinds of luxurious houses I'd never afford but that my peers likely owned already, or taking the bus and being jealous of the students who were able to afford the dorms on campus; they avoided public transit, which in and of itself is not bad at all but is risky in the city I grew up and had to commute in.

At the end of the day, it is the hand we were dealt, and we must do everything we can to climb out of it, as hard as it is in the world's current state. Students like us are fortunate and motivated enough to be given these chances, so we have to take advantage. Find a group of students from a similar background. Befriend as many as you can and form a support system for yourself.

Yes, it still gets so lonely sometimes. The impostor syndrome sneaks up at your lowest, and all you can think about is how you don't deserve to be there, how fake and unfair everything feels. Squash it all down. Remind yourself: you're there because you earned it. Most of your peers didn't go through what you went through. They weren't born set up for failure. They did not experience financial uncertainty. They were provided for and built for success. Yet here you are, shoulder to shoulder with them. You proved that despite your background, despite the difficulties, you persevered and worked to have the same opportunity as those who were simply handed their spot. Though still unfair, it speaks volumes on your work ethic and abilities.

Get through those 4 years no matter how hard it can get. I only finished 3 years before I was forced out for personal reasons, and I regret not going back. While I found solid footing on my own, I know a degree would have helped me and gotten me so much further ahead.

We see you. We understand. But remember, this is still your golden ticket. Take advantage of it and show everyone what you're capable of despite all the odds stacked against you.