Dear Classmate,
From your account, I understand that your family is experiencing financial difficulties.
You initiated a fundraising campaign on Weibo. This prompted feelings of embarrassment, particularly when your classmates also provided enthusiastic assistance by posting about it on their Moments. This led to further discomfort, as you worried that the entire school would become aware and that you would appear to lack dignity, as if you were seeking charity.
As someone who cares about appearances and has a strong sense of self-esteem, you may feel ashamed of being poor. I can relate to this, as I have had a similar experience.
During my childhood, my family was also economically disadvantaged. Our financial situation was so constrained that we struggled to provide basic sustenance.
I have two older brothers, both of whom died of starvation. After I got married, my child was less than a year old when my husband also contracted cancer.
I lacked the financial resources to cover the costs of treatment, so I sought loans from various individuals. At the time, there were no publicly available welfare initiatives like Water Drop, and the borrowed funds had to be repaid.
Many individuals were reluctant to extend credit to me due to concerns about my ability to repay. Your family can initiate a fundraising campaign on Water Drop, with the advantage of not having to repay the funds.
Despite the passage of more than two decades, I retain a clear recollection of the challenges we faced. Undoubtedly, it was a trying ordeal.
However, it was also through this experience that I underwent significant personal growth.
The initial challenge was my perception of my family's financial situation. It was important to recognize that poverty was not a result of any personal shortcomings.
The circumstances of one's birth are beyond our control.
Being poor simply indicates that we began from a disadvantaged position, just as some individuals are born into affluent families and have a more advantageous start in life than we do. When we ourselves have not engaged with society to pursue opportunities, this is not a reason for us to feel ashamed, but rather a motivating factor for us to take action.
Poverty is not a personal responsibility.
Regarding your personal situation, you are younger than I was when I faced similar challenges.
As a young person, you have numerous opportunities and a wealth of possibilities at your disposal. When I borrowed money from others, I promised that I was young and that I would certainly be able to repay the loan.
Have confidence in yourself. You are still in college, which provides you with a valuable asset in today's job market.
You have received a higher education, which provides numerous advantages in the professional sphere. It is important to believe in your own value and capabilities, and to recognize that you have the potential to create wealth.
At that time, I was able to overcome these challenges with the belief that they were only temporary difficulties.
Let us consider the psychological reasons behind feelings of shame associated with poverty. A lack of self-worth is a key factor in these feelings.
Furthermore, we fail to recognize our own value due to a lack of self-esteem.
We are ashamed of our self-esteem. When faced with problems that can often be solved with money, and when we are short of cash, the only thing that can protect our dignity is our inner sense of not being greedy or selfish. This is the dignity of our character, and it is also the most precious thing we have.
Let us discuss the topic of requesting assistance. Your colleagues took the initiative to provide support by posting a status update on their professional social media platform.
It is not the act of asking for help that is the issue, but rather the kindness and generosity of those who offered assistance. It is important to remember and acknowledge the support and assistance provided.
I do not believe their intention in assisting you was to make you feel ashamed, but rather to help you overcome the challenges you are facing so that you can focus on your personal and professional growth. If you are able, you can repay them at a later date.
I recall that when I first started, I was unable to work regularly because I had to accompany someone to the hospital. My colleagues' way of showing their goodwill was to take on all my work, and then when it came time to pay salaries and bonuses, they took the money they would have received if they had worked as I did.
I have retained a sense of gratitude for their benevolence. Now that I am in a position to do so, if I become aware of any of them facing difficulties, I will extend a helping hand. This is how I reciprocate their kindness.
In light of these considerations, let us now return to your question: What are the root causes of our shame?
It is important to demonstrate gratitude for the kindness of others and to reciprocate when we receive help.
It is when we accept help from others without giving anything in return that we should be ashamed.
However, you are evidently not of that mindset.
If you still have reservations, remind yourself that today you had to accept assistance from others because you started from a disadvantageous position. In the future, I will strive to enhance my capabilities.
Should I have the resources in the future, I will continue to extend this generosity to those in need. This is my most valuable contribution. It is also the most effective way for me to express my gratitude to those who have helped me today.
Let us return to the core issue. A common adage among the general public states, "If you lack financial resources, you lack everything; if you are unwell, you have something."
This is the reality of the situation. Both dilemmas have affected your family.
It is fortunate that a solution is available at this time, as the cost of cancer treatment is significant for many families.
Furthermore, it is clear that your grandfather does not wish to become unwell, and that nobody wishes for him to become unwell. However, we have already encountered such a situation, and that is to proactively identify a solution.
Seek assistance from your classmates. There is no need to feel guilty or ashamed; simply be yourself.
Your future self-confidence and future ability to reciprocate kindness to others depends on your efforts today.
I hope that sharing my own experiences and feelings will be of some assistance to you.
Please be aware that the world and we love you.
Comments
I can totally empathize with how you're feeling. It's okay to ask for help when we're in need; it shows strength, not weakness. Your family is going through a tough time, and reaching out is a brave step towards getting the support you need.
It's natural to worry about what others think, but your classmates who reposted are showing they care. They see beyond material things and value human connection. Try to focus on the kindness people are showing rather than the discomfort you feel.
Your feelings are valid, but remember that everyone faces challenges at some point. Sharing your story might actually inspire others to be more compassionate and open about their own struggles. It's an opportunity to change the conversation around vulnerability.
Feeling ashamed of seeking help is common, but try to view this as a moment of growth. Accepting aid doesn't diminish your worth. Many people admire those who can admit they need assistance. You're doing what's necessary for your grandmother's sake, and that's something to be proud of.
It's hard to put yourself out there, especially in front of peers. But remember, most people are kindhearted and want to help. This experience could be a turning point, teaching you the importance of community and solidarity during hardships.