Anticipation Guide: Self Reliance (Statement 1)

People that are poor should get a job, rather than relying on friends, family, or church for help.

I strongly agree with this statement, because what you do as a person is one of the only constants in life. It is important to have supportive and caring friends, but ultimately being able to take care of yourself is the best option. People living in poverty, or even those who are just moderately poor, definitely have a harder time with supporting themselves. However, taking action to earn money, studying hard, building connections, and focusing on the right things can always help you dig yourself out of a hole.

Of course, all of these things are easier said than done. Getting into a good school can be hard with no educational background, and making powerful friends could seem impossible if you don't know where to start. This is where determination comes in. Going to a public school and studying as hard as you possibly can will build character and knowledge, as well as the probably of getting a scholarship or getting a well paying job to get into a respected college. From there, earn a degree and get an even better job. Save money and go to grad school, etc. As you can probably see by now, placement on the economic hierarchy depends just as much on will and determination as on luck and inheritance.

Although this path may seem harder than simply asking for help, you will build character and self reliance in case anything goes wrong. Your friend could stop supporting you, your family could move on, and the church could deem you unworthy. But you can always control what you do.