The Rooftop Vision (ॐ)

Materialism and money, that sure makes us all feel good.
But they are not the definition of our happiness.
I know many people agree but this is how I learned it as a Junior in high school.

I go to school that is occupied mostly by fortunate kids, who are just like me.
Kids who was born in a well to do family, kids who have a nice house and safe life.

I am, in fact, materialistic.
What can I say? I love clothes, shoes, and what not.
But I've improved through out my youth.

When I was in elementary school, in Korea, I had trouble making friends.
I was a shy weirdo at my school. I was considered dumb, slow and many kids made fun of my different behavior.
But when other kids heard about my family owning a pear farm and an apartment building, I've noticed the kids treating me slightly different. They were more careful to me after wards and to me, that was better than them calling me a "retard" or a "dumb pig."

I learned that because my family is wealthy, people are treating me better.
Little me thought "Wow! I should try to show off my wealth more to make more friends and not to be treated like poop!"

During my middle school years, (which was in America) I was obsessed with Abercrombie & Fitch, Holister, Juicy and anything kids considered "expensive and cool."

But when my dad went to jail for doing nothing, when my parents were fighting and talking about separation, or when I lost most of my friends in sophomore year, it was not the nice clothes and bags that mattered.
The "stuff" never helped me out in these situations.

Materialism is our friend, but they're never there when you need them.

Today, I sometimes catch a glimpse of all the old expensive clothes in my closet, and tell myself: "you know, you really didn't need all these."

Some girl at my school claims to own more than ten Ugg boots, which I'll say are about $100 per pair.
When I hear that, I wondered, does she really need all that Ugg boots?

I own them too. They sure are cozy and cute. I own two pairs of them.
I am still materialistic but I know, materialism is not my best friend.

Human being have a strong natural desire to own something and I am not willing to fight against that.
But I believe human are special because we have potential to define our selves with something other than what we own.