I was born into a lower class family. My father was working class until his diabetes became out of control and, due to complications, he was unable to hold a job. He had no health insurance and was ineligible for public assistance because he owned two disabled vehicles. I didn't know we were lower class because of the tribe we socialized with. Our church was an important part of our lives. It was within walking distance and many people of similar class socialized together. It wasn't until my older brother and I reached the legal age to hold jobs and drive that our family rose out of the lower class. It was a family effort to climb the ladder. My father eventually received health insurance and was able to manage his diabetes. He started his own business and was able to support us. I don't think I realized my class position until I attended college for the first time. Moving from the town I grew up in and then returning was the moment I realized how poor our area was. My hometown looked completely different, when in reality it was just a change in perspective. Having a new car for the first time, attending college, and working somewhere other than a local restaurant contributed to my awareness of social class. After I got married I immediately moved into the upper working class, still bordering on the middle class. Our family's desire is to provide my daughter with things we were not afforded as children. This primarily contributed to my decision to return to college. I want to advance my career and be able to provide my daughter with an education that I wasn't given. This right as a woman contributed to my family's success in climbing the ladder and staying there. My struggles, seemingly insurmountable at times, are nothing... middle of paper... moving forward The “good side” of the boss We interpreted this as “flirting” or even “dating” the boss. The thought made me sick. The young hires did not have to deal with this. Most were promoted to waitresses within a few months. I worked really hard and without adapting I wasn't promoted for a year. I have experienced many similar situations in my career and I can only hope that things change. This type of inequality is felt by most women and also by lower class people and people of color. The lower and working classes are not afforded the same educational opportunities that the middle and upper classes receive. There is inequality in our justice system towards people of color as well as marriage inequality. But we are committed to not admitting it and blaming those who are experiencing it. Because to admit it we would have to admit that we are falling short of our true American ideology.