Four Things That Shape Your Life When You Grow Up Under the Poverty Line

Explaining some of the lessons and lasting effects that are carried into adulthood by children of poverty

My hometown in Northwest Pennsylvania via paroute6.com

1. Modern technology, although a necessary means for accomplishing many things, is still considered a luxury that is out of reach for many.

Scary thought after the last two years, isn’t it? According to the U.S. Census Bureau, from 2015–2019 only around 82% of households in my hometown owned a computer, and only around 75% had an active broadband subscription.

2. Food insecurity shapes your ability to learn about and receive proper daily nutrition.

USDA Food Pyramid, eventually replaced by MyPyramid and later MyPlate. Source: usda.gov

3. Clean clothes are also a luxury that can be just out of reach.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash

4. Cash is king, and you understand when your parents don’t have it.

Pick any one of the prior three topics in this article and you’ll find something that childhood bullies deem worthy of their teasing and cruel jokes. No child asks to be born under the poverty line, just like no child asks to be born above it. It just…is.

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Mother to one human and two cats, wife to an awesome and supportive man. Lover of words, food, and stirring the pot. LGBTQ+ and body positive. IG: @adimeows

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Adi Cat

Mother to one human and two cats, wife to an awesome and supportive man. Lover of words, food, and stirring the pot. LGBTQ+ and body positive. IG: @adimeows