The TRUTH About Being Poor at an Ivy League School | Yale Questbridge Finalist Shares All...

The speaker reflects on the challenges of being a low-income student at Yale, particularly the overwhelming feeling of being trapped by financial constraints. Decisions about majors and careers are often driven by the need to secure a stable income to support family obligations. This constant pressure creates a cloud of insecurity, which is rarely discussed openly. The speaker introduces themselves as a recent Yale graduate and sets the stage for a discussion on financial aid and the realities of being poor at an Ivy League university.

The speaker discusses how financial aid influenced their decision to attend Yale over other prestigious institutions like Princeton, Williams, Georgetown, and UVA. Despite Yale being slightly more expensive by $450, they chose it due to the better financial aid package and the school's reputation. The speaker recounts how they calculated the cost difference in terms of hours worked at their parents' restaurant and the impact this decision had on their life. They also share their experience of working multiple jobs at Yale, including a relatively easy cluster technician job, which paid them to ensure printers and computer labs were well-stocked. The speaker humorously notes the simplicity of the job and how they managed to work other jobs simultaneously, eventually earning more through tutoring.

The speaker delves into the intense workload they managed while studying at Yale, working multiple jobs to support themselves financially. They describe the long hours spent tutoring and the moral dilemmas faced while editing essays for high school students, particularly in situations where they felt they were crossing ethical boundaries. The speaker shares their internal conflict over accepting high-paying offers to write college applications for wealthy international students, ultimately deciding against it. They discuss the student income contribution debate at Yale, highlighting how some students felt it was unfair that low-income students had to work more than their wealthier peers. Despite the challenges, the speaker expresses gratitude for the experience, which helped them build valuable skills and eventually led to the creation of their own tutoring company.

The speaker addresses the significant socioeconomic divide at Yale, noting the stark contrast between the lifestyles of wealthy students and those from low-income backgrounds. They describe the lavish living situations of some students, such as renting expensive apartments, compared to their own modest accommodations. The speaker reflects on the social dynamics at Yale, where students often group themselves based on similar socioeconomic backgrounds. They share their own experiences of feeling out of place among wealthier students and how they eventually found a sense of belonging in their secret society, where there was more interaction between students of different backgrounds. The speaker also touches on the racial and ethnic divides at Yale and expresses regret over not branching out more during their time there.

The speaker reflects on how their financial situation improved during their later years at Yale, thanks to steady income from tutoring. They share the pride they felt in becoming financially independent and the relief of no longer having to rely on their parents. The speaker contrasts their current financial stability with their past struggles and discusses the lingering 'feeling of being poor' despite their success. They explore the idea that financial success is relative and that even those who are well-off may continue to feel insecure or inadequate. The speaker also discusses the cultural impact of growing up in a low-income household, where money was a constant source of stress. They conclude by encouraging others who are facing similar challenges, reminding them that simply getting into college is a significant achievement and a step towards a brighter future.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of discussing financial aid and the resources available to low-income students, which are often not well-publicized. They share a story of a friend who went into credit card debt to buy a laptop and a winter coat, not knowing that financial aid could have covered these expenses. The speaker expresses a desire to help others avoid similar situations by offering advice and support. They invite viewers to reach out to them for guidance and offer to meet with them until they reach a certain number of subscribers. The speaker signs off with encouragement and a reminder that they are rooting for the success of their audience.