Money Talks
In silicon valley, you’re surrounded by insanely wealthy and successful people in a variety of professional fields. At first glance, you wouldn’t really be able to tell because everyone here is really conservative with their money. It’s one thing I have actually grown to appreciate. Surprisingly some of the richest people in the world choose to wear very ordinary clothing (it sucks for me though because I can’t ever dress up without people thinking I’m strange), which would easily lose them in a crowd. After traveling through various parts of the country, especially to Boston, I realize that the culture surrounding wealth is completely different. For some reason, people think that having money will gain you more respect from others. As if the wealthier you are, the more valuable of a person you are. I met this girl at college (literally no harm to her), that would continuously make wealth an accessory for her personality. When she found out I was from Palo Alto she insisted that I too, like her, must have a huge house in the Hamptons and that eating Nobu was an everyday occurrence. I am sorry to disappoint, but I, unfortunately, don’t have either. I feel a little bad, but it truly felt like she was using money to prove her worth as a person. Whether it’s buying completely unnecessary brand name clothes or just blatantly bragging about the things you’ve been given growing up, I assure you it’s really not that important. Frankly, I don’t care ha :). I can’t speak for everyone obviously, but personally, it isn’t what it’s in your bank account that I respect. It’s about how it got there and especially where it’s going. But also, who you are and what money makes you. If money is what your chasing in life then that’s also a sad reality. While I am incredibly fortunate to live where I do, all the money I have is my mother’s. It’s her hard work and tenacity that brought me here and it would be incredibly disrespectful for me to use it as my own (although I am a very expensive child I admit it). In order for me to feel proud, I need to put in just as much hard work to get there. It shouldn’t be that I was born privileged so I deserve the world, that’s just stupid! The opportunities I have been given might make it easier for me to make my world, but I still have to independently chase my goals. And if you ever forget it just follow my motto, the world is your oyster.
- With love, Fiza Usman
