Social Status

Social class is not something that is new to me. I have studied social class through many different subjects throughout my education such as history, theology, world geography and even in ethic literature. Since I have taken these courses, I actually think about social class a lot. And I believe that social class plays a major role in our society.
As for the video "Wealth Inequality in America" I was not the least bit surprised to see how incorrect people's understandings of wealth distribution is in America. I think that people in our country are afraid to admit that there are very rich people in the world and also that there are very poor people in this world as well.
I think that social class plays a huge role on people's values and views. For an example, in the video "People Like Us" when the lady says that she would never drive Volvo because it screams "middle class mother who has ornery kids with an out of control dog" or that she wouldn't drive a Ford because it was probably stolen. Why is a Volvo considered a middle class car? Oh, because they are less expensive and less cool than Porsche or a BMW. So based on this particular lady's value and views she is able to define your social class based on the car that you drive. This is absolutely absurd. I actually know a guy who I would consider upper middle class because of his salary, assets, investments and savings and could afford a Porsche if he wanted to but prefers to drive Hondas because they are economical.  He believes that buying a Porsche is a wasted investment and he would much rather buy a more affordable car and use his money else where. To me this is thinking smart and economical.
I have ran into certain situations throughout my life where people's values and views clouded their thoughts from what was actually the truth. I attended a catholic grade school and high school in which my high school was one of the most well know private school in the area. When people would ask me where I attended high school I would tell them Sacred Heart Griffin and about 95 percent of they time they would say, "Oh wow you must be rich." Well the real truth was that I wasn't rich. I was middle class just like them. In fact most were very unaware that my mother worked in my high school's cafeteria in order to receive a discount on my tuition.  

About Me

Hello my name is Lauren VanDerWal. I was born in Colorado Springs which is where a US Air Force base is located. So as you may be able to guess I was indeed a military brat. Since my father was in the USAF I have moved a few times. After my sister Demi was born on the same base my family was relocated to Berlin, Germany. This is where my youngest sister Paige was born. After Berlin my family was then relocated to Aviano, Italy where I started pre-school. After we live in Italy for about a year we moved to Edwards Air Force base in California where I completed kindergarten and first grade. And then for the last stop and a place that I now call home, we moved to Springfield, Illinois.I now live in Palatine, Illinois with my boyfriend Mike of five years and my dog Ping, who is, by the way the cutest and most loving dog ever.
Though the military was one aspect of my life I have many other such as what I would call the "bagpipe World". When I was in 8th grade I started Highland dancing and master in the highest level at the age of seventeen. Soon after I started dancing I learned how to play the highland drum. A few years later I also learned how to play the bagpipes. Bagpipes still to this plays a huge influence in my life and I consider playing bagpipes more of a lifestyle than a hobby. I currently play the bagpipes in the Midlothian Scottish Pipes and Drums.
Even though the "bagpipe world" plays such an important role of my life so does my education. I have an associated degree in chemistry and I am continuing my education as a chemistry major. I plan to graduate college and started a career in pharmaceuticals.