Money is a sensitive topic for everyone whether you have a lot or little. People either shy away from the topic, get awkward, or don’t talk about it at all. The five individuals I interviewed were all 18-19 years old and raised in Washington Township. I mention this because they all share this in common and I thought this would reflect in their answers,but to my surprise, I received varied answers.
When I asked Anhtina Ho about her perspective on money and all that embodies it she responded with, “First I wish money didn’t control everything in life. my point of view on it is basically that Ihate it but I’m forced to like it because without it I’m basically nothing.” Her mentioning that money controlled her life and without it she is nothing, didn’t shock me, but is a saddening truth to hear. How can we let this made up concept make or break our days, years and even life.
Next student I interviewed mentioned a different point of view than Anhtina when asked the same question. Tell me your point of view on money? Dominic Murphy responded with “Money isn’t given it’s earned. Getting a job when you are in your early teenage years is crucial for the future. Different jobs call for different qualifications but they all come back to the same factor which is money.” His practical and honest point of view received a head nod from me as well with all the points brought up. Knowing his background of his family owning a business and him working as soon as he could definitely reflected in his responses.
The last person I interviewed is named Talia Verrecchio, again all from Washington Township shared a unique perspective. To start off she was excited to talk about it instead of being hesitant because she knew she shared a unique perspective. “Many people choose their career based on salary. Clearly being an education major I did not. I value passion and happiness over money.” she began. “When we die, our money will go to our kids. My kids will spend their lives working and saving their money just to pass it on to their kids. It’s a constant cycle of working out, living away and saving up money to do nothing with it.” It was intriguing to speak to Talia about this matter because I did bring it to her attention—she is privileged to even have those points of view on money. Some people can’t even afford to save up for their future. When I said this to her, she quickly agreed. We continued to talk about money and all things that affect it and she ended our conversation with “So why not do what you love.”
Money seems to be the driving force in our society— and even takes over some of our lives. Like Talia mentioned, we should just do what we love
