8 "character-building" experiences that only people who grew up poor understand

Growing up poor is an experience that leaves indelible marks on a person. It's not just about the lack of material things, but the life lessons that come with it.

These experiences often involve struggle and hardship, but they also have a unique ability to build character. They shape you, mold you, and provide you with a perspective on life that those more affluent may never understand.

In this article, I'm going to share with you eight "character-building" experiences that only those who grew up poor truly understand. These are lessons that have shaped me, and I bet they will resonate with many of you too.

1) Making do with what you have

Growing up poor often means not always having everything you want or need. But it also teaches you to be resourceful and creative.

This is where the concept of making do comes in. It's about learning to use what you have to achieve what you need. Maybe it's fixing a broken toy instead of buying a new one, or creating a game out of discarded objects.

This character-building experience is more than just a lesson in resourcefulness. It's about understanding the value of things, appreciating what you have, and learning to find solutions instead of dwelling on problems.

It's not an easy lesson, but it's one that stays with you and shapes your approach to life. And it's an experience that only those who grew up poor can truly understand.

2) Value of hard work

Growing up poor, I quickly learnt the value of hard work. My parents worked multiple jobs just to make ends meet, and as soon as I was old enough, I joined them.

I remember my first job vividly. I was a paperboy, waking up at the crack of dawn to deliver newspapers before school. It wasn't a glamorous job, and it was tough, especially in the winter months. But it taught me responsibility, discipline and the importance of earning your own keep.

That early exposure to work instilled in me a strong work ethic that has served me well in life. It's something that people who grew up with more privilege might not fully comprehend – the deep-rooted understanding that nothing comes easy and that you have to work hard for what you want.

3) The importance of education

Growing up poor often means understanding the true value of education. For many, it's seen as a ticket out of poverty and a path to a better life.

Children from low-income families see education as an investment in their future, an opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.

This appreciation for education goes beyond just getting good grades. It’s about the pursuit of knowledge, the power that comes with being informed and the doors it can open in life. Only those who have experienced firsthand the limitations of poverty truly understand this.

4) The art of thriftiness

When you grow up poor, you learn early on how to stretch a dollar. Thriftiness becomes not just a virtue, but a way of life.

Whether it's clipping coupons, buying secondhand clothes, or reusing items until they're worn out, the art of thriftiness is honed out of necessity. It's about making the most out of every penny and finding ways to make your money go further.

This isn't just about being frugal. It's a lesson in financial management and resource allocation that carries over into adulthood. It breeds an appreciation for the value of money and a healthy respect for financial responsibility.

5) The bond of community

Growing up poor often means relying on your community, your neighbors, and your friends for support. It's about understanding that we're all interconnected and that we rise and fall together.

I remember the warmth of shared meals, the comfort in knowing that my friends' parents were there for me just like my own, and the collective effort to uplift each other during tough times.

This experience cultivates empathy and a deep sense of community. It's about understanding the power of unity, of coming together to help each other. It instills a sense of solidarity that transcends socio-economic statuses and fosters a lifelong commitment to giving back to the community.

6) Appreciating the small things

When financial resources are limited, you learn to find joy in the simplest things. I remember the pure happiness of a rare treat, like an ice cream on a hot summer day, or the excitement of finding a perfectly good toy at a garage sale.

These small pleasures were like rays of sunshine, breaking through the clouds of hardship. They taught me to appreciate what I had, no matter how small or insignificant it might seem to others.

This experience shapes your perspective on life. It teaches you to find happiness in the present moment and to appreciate the little things that often go unnoticed. It's a lesson in gratitude that stays with you long after you've left poverty behind.

7) Understanding the value of relationships

When you grow up poor, material possessions are often scarce. But what you lack in material wealth, you make up for in relationships.

Family, friends, and community become your true wealth. You learn that it's the people in your life, not the things you own, that truly matter.

This understanding deepens your appreciation for your relationships and strengthens your bonds with those around you. It's a priceless lesson in recognizing the true value of human connection and the richness that it brings to life.

8) Resilience in the face of adversity

Above all, growing up poor teaches you resilience. It's about finding strength in the face of adversity and the ability to bounce back from setbacks.

This resilience isn't just about survival. It's about thriving despite your circumstances, about finding hope in the most desperate situations, and about never giving up, no matter how tough things get.

This experience instills a sense of determination and grit that prepares you for life's challenges. It's a lesson in perseverance and courage that only those who have faced real adversity can truly understand.

Final thoughts: Character, a priceless asset

The experiences of growing up poor are marked by hardship and struggle, but they are also rich with lessons that build character.

These character-building experiences, often born out of necessity, shape the way we approach life. They instill values like resilience, resourcefulness, and empathy. They teach us to appreciate the small things in life, the value of hard work, and the importance of community.

In our society, these lessons are often overlooked or undervalued. But for those who have grown up poor, they are invaluable. They are the compass that guides us through life, shaping our choices and determining our path.

Ultimately, growing up poor teaches us that character is a priceless asset. It's something that cannot be bought or sold, but only earned through experience.