By Mary Wade
Meet K: a first-gen college student, daughter of Albanian immigrants, and a public health major with dreams of becoming an OB/GYN. K’s story shines a light on privilege at Syracuse University, where the majority of students come from affluent backgrounds.
In one class, K encountered a peer who confidently claimed he was “a big fish in a small pond” at Syracuse and bragged about having endless options for medical school because he could “just pay for a tutor.” K, however, has had to take on extra certifications and pay for courses outside of school to stay competitive. For her, a perfect 4.0 GPA feels like the only way to reach her dreams, proving how privilege creates a gap in opportunity even among students pursuing the same goals.
“This separation is economic, visible in bank balances and salaries. But it can also be seen in education, family structure, health, and longevity, even in civic and community life. The economic gap is just the most vivid sign of a deepening class divide.”
Richard Reeves
The stats don’t lie: In the U.S., the top 1% of households now hold more wealth than the entire middle class combined. The income gap continues to grow, creating even greater challenges for families like K’s, who invested all their savings to give her access to a better future. For many, pursuing a college degree is less about following passions and more about finding a career path that can financially support their family.
K’s resilience is a reminder that privilege is more than just wealth-it’s the unearned advantage of not having to carry the weight of financial or familial responsibilities while chasing dreams.
How has privilege shaped your journey? Share your thoughts below.
K is…
- 21 years old
- Female
- White
- Albanian
- Lesbian
- Working Class
- Spiritual