We aren't all born with a silver spoon in our mouths. In fact, most of us have to work very hard just to get above water. I have never been rich and at one time was beyond poor. It took four years to pull myself up from being in literal poverty to being in a place where I am comfortable.
Four years ago I had no hot water in my home, absolutely no luxuries like a cell phone or cable, no car and didn't even have food every day. I was also recovering from awful health. Due to my health, I was unable to work a normal job. I was stuck, but refused to remain that way.
The one great thing about this country is that we can all thrive if we truly want to. The only way we can be held down is if we hold ourselves down. I knew that I would be able to finish my two Bachelor's degrees via online education despite my health. So, I took advantage of government grants, such as the Pell Grant, and took out federal student loans. I went back to school in January of 2008. On August 1, 2011, I graduated with two Bachelor's degrees. I didn't have to pay a penny out of pocket throughout the duration of those degrees due to the resources available.
Next, I had to work. I qualified for disability, but knew that my expenses far exceeded what that would pay, plus I admit I am a very proud young woman. So, I took to the internet and discovered a way to work from home. It took an extreme amount of work and two full years of no sleep and constant learning, but I developed my own business. Now, four years later, I am earning more money each year. On average, I increase my profits by about $8k per year. I am a single person entity, so the profits are all mine.
Now, I am in school earning another degree and paying for it completely out of pocket. No loans, no grants, no help at all. All cash. I am single and get no help from anyone. I own a home, a car and have everything I need. I have a solid amount of savings.
Looking back four years ago when I was sitting there watching three channels on television and heating water on the stove every day to take a bath, I never imagined how good things could get. It took an incredible amount of work and I continue to work incredibly hard. I work seven days a week and attend school five days a week. I am very busy, but would not change it for the world. I am also still rather frugal by habit and choice, but I do have everything I need.
There are resources available to those who wish to find the middle class. I am proof that hard work and utilizing these resources can get you to exactly where you want to be.
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