Reflections on Opportunity & Values
A meditation on education, privilege, and what truly matters
Sometimes I dream about the amazing things I might have learned or opportunities I might have had, had I been born and grown in a path that took me to a very astute college with great teachers and greater connections, like Harvard, MIT, and all those.
I dream about that sometimes. And then, you know, I temper that with I'm very grateful that my value system for people does not include if they have done that, if they went to a good school or even have had a college degree.
My value system comes from a lot of my mom's side, Quaker, and not having money, and my Buddhist education from my university experience, that what we do and how we treat each other and what we're doing for other people is more valuable than where we went to school or who we know.
Quaker Values
The belief in the inherent worth of every individual, regardless of background or education.
Buddhist Wisdom
Understanding that true value comes from our actions and how we treat others.
Human Connection
Recognizing that relationships and compassion matter more than prestige or status.
In the end, it's not about the institutions we attended, but the values we carry and the lives we touch.