I come from a poor background--govt cheese (stood in line), powdered milk. My definition of luxury is filling the gas tank every time we go to the gas station. Growing up we could only put in a few dollars at a time.
I went to an excellent SLAC with a ton of grants and not many loans (it's helpful when your sole parent makes half the cost of attendance). I made friends with other midwesterners, and the money/class thing only came up when they wanted to order $5 pizzas at night, and I didn't have $5.
After graduation, with my education, I've done well for myself and didn't think much about class until I went to work (in admin) at an Ivy. Fortunately I was cut off from the students but I was astonished at the backgrounds of my coworkers. My boss made a local magazine with her purchase of a 2 million condo. I know she and her spouse were well paid (I had access to faculty salary data), but they didn't buy it on their salaries.
Two coworkers had families who owned a private plane or were thinking of buying one. When I expressed astonishment I was told "it's not a big deal, it's just like an expensive car."
And I noticed, when we went to lunch together, I would clean my plate, they'd all leave theirs mostly untouched.
I lasted there all of eight months. Now I'm working for a school whose mission I truly support.
You should turn this into a Chronicle first person column -- it'd be much better than the overwrought angst that's usually published.
