I think for me the most significant piece of my experience with class and class dynamics was that no one ever told me how difficult the transition after school would be and how much of a role it would play in the dynamics of both my personal and professional life. I grew up in a very low-income family and was familiar with dodging bill collectors and even have a few experiences with eviction. Finding community in college was important, and I realized that all of my close friendships were with individuals who shared similar life experiences based on a lower SES. It wasn't until I tried to connect with others in my major that I met individuals from various class communities and realized how different our experiences were. There was this disconnect that existed for me that kept me separate from the academic community that existed at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and pushed me to become active in the student life aspects of the college experience. This involvement lead me to a career in student life and to attend graduate school to get a degree in higher education. Nothing in my graduate coursework would prepare me for the challenge of supporting students of various social classes. Challenges arise when students talk about international experiences, gap years and service trips as if this was the norm. It can be difficult to admit to the Carleton community that you have never traveled outside of the United States, which I haven't, or have no experience with being able to rely on your parents for spending money. Co-worker dynamics are also challenged by class and I find that it also plays a role in which colleagues I am likely to form deeper relationships with.
- Tegra Straight
- Tegra Straight