Bridges to Success Revisited

Several years ago when I was taking a college class, I came upon a book that really caught my interest. It was supposed to be a required book for the course, but the instructor never used it. I kept the book and read it for myself anyway. Maybe that tells how interested I was in the subject. We all know that people who have wealth and resources live differently than those of the middle class and those in poverty. I had never seen the differences described the way they were in that book. I learned the worlds of work and school are based on middle class culture and values. It really helped me understand why students sometimes make decisions that don’t necessarily help them to reach their educational and career goals.
Take a moment to think back to the discussion regarding Bridges to Success and cultural differences. Remember, the culture of poverty refers to the extent a person goes without resources. Resources may include money, emotional support, positive relationships, and coping skills. Keeping this in mind, have you had opportunities to network with others from different cultures? Did you notice anything about the exchange? Have you noticed anyone who seems to have a different frame of reference? Do you have a better understanding of the basis of that reference? How might you reframe your encounter? Also, have you reflected on your resources and how you might use them to assist you in your career goals?
Remember the driving forces for each culture.
Poverty……….survival, relationships, entertainment
Middle Class……….work, achievement
Wealth..........financial, political, and social connections
For more information, look for Bridges Out of Poverty, by Ruby K. Payne.