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I am still a young woman, but I have already seen more than my fair share of days that I am without funds. I grew up in the Appalachia region, which is basically poverty stricken. My childhood is filled with memories of being embarrassed and utterly poor.

My first realization of being poor came in the third grade. My parents could not afford to buy us new winter coats, and they gladly accepted hand me downs from relatives. I received a hideous smelly coat. I had no choice but to wear it to school, everyone laughed at me and my smelly fake fur coat. It was embarrassing, but I didn't complain, I was just glad to have a warm coat, no matter how ugly and foul smelling it was.

My parents often could not afford milk and items of necessity. We grew accustomed to drinking powdered milk, and eventually we nearly enjoyed it. I can remember my mom crying about the financial difficulties they were constantly facing. I remember not being able to afford a cap and gown for my high school graduation and having to borrow one from a relative who graduated several years earlier. It was dingy and ill kept, so I stood out like a sore thumb. I did not want to attend my graduation, but my grandfather was so proud of me, I could not let him down. He never had the opportunity to complete high school.

As I matured and got out on my own, I learned first hand how it is to struggle and not know where your next meal would come from. When I had fifty cents, I felt blessed. Ten years ago you could get 7 packs of ramean noodles for fifty cents.

I have walked ten miles to and from work because I had no money, I have gone days without basic necessities such as food, water and heat. I have sunk to visiting grocery stores on free sample days and making a few loops around the store, just so I could eat that day. I have had to face the decision of selling my most precious possessions so I could survive a few more days on my own.

I have had to make choices that hurt my pride, but I feel that by facing these hardships I have learned a valuable lesson.

I know that I have lived thru rough times, I know I will probably encounter more tough times in my life financially, but I am resourceful enough to make the best of any situation. I learned to appreciate all that I do have. I have learned that anything is possible.

I am not rich, but I am on my feet. I worked very hard to get to where I am, and when I look back at my money hardships, I know that I am a stronger person, with more character for earning what I have and not giving into poverty.

Learn more about this author, Chenault De Salis.
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