“I explained to her that I have never had health insurance before...”

I’m an award-winning writer and editor living in New York City, where I currently work at BuzzFeed as the Senior Lifestyle Editor.

"My advisor was like, 'Well, why don't you work less so you can focus on your studies?' and I was just staring at her incredulously, like... uh... and then how do you propose I pay for food?"

"Yup. We did not vacation when I was growing up. Ever. One day, out at a local amusement park (like 30 minutes away, in our county) was an extravagance. The Pizza Hut dinner buffet was fancy. Red Lobster was for special occasions, like a birthday or graduation. I was able to go to Girl Scout Camp for 1–2 weeks in the summer by selling A LOT of cookies, and also receiving financial aid for low-income families. I out-earn my mom now, and sometimes I see the price of things that were 'too expensive' growing up, and I’m like 'Wow, we were apparently very poor.'"

"This. My school offered free instruments to kids in need, but what 12-year-old girl with dreams of playing a flute wants to try a tuba?

Or Girl Scouts. I really wanted to be in Girl Scouts.

I will say, I did end up getting into one extracurricular activity (karate), but I found out many years later, my sensei was comping most of the bills."

"People who do destination weddings, 'You have a year to save.' Like, what makes you think the two grand I would have to save, I want to spend it for you? I have bills."

"We didn’t receive an allowance, but every weekend we cleaned the house as a family, and we each had chores to do. And if there was an occasion to go to the movies or go bowling, they would give us some cash."

"I remember in high school, I was telling my dad how my friend and her brother both got the cars they wanted — and brand new! And I was saying how they were both great friends and great students, and they totally deserved it. And my dad said, 'All young people deserve the car they want,' and it was the first time I realized I didn’t think that would ever happen to me because I didn’t think I deserved it. I assumed being poor was what I deserved, I guess."

"I felt this one in my soul. My supervisor recently asked me why I needed so many days off this month (not in a prying way; she was legitimately concerned and asked if I needed help). I explained to her that I have never had health insurance before and needed to catch up on wellness appointments/establish care. I’m 36."

"I used to do this and literally have less than a dollar in my account after checkout.I still do out of habit, even though I don’t need to anymore. A cashier asked me recently what my paper was, and it was my shopping list with the totals added up. They said they’ve never seen that before."

"'Quit your job and follow your passion,' and 'most people enjoy their jobs.'"