What I learned is that wishing or convincing yourself that hard-work will allow you to become or do anything is just an ideal, which we should not normalized. Such disposition can undermine others' effort and become blind to advantages others have. In reality, I have received so much support, which didn't come in economic terms, for instance, love and friendship. Therefore, I want to be realistic about human potential and limitations. All else equal, effort, good will, and perseverance are positive in moving one's life toward some definitive goal. At the same time, we are vulnerable, limited humans who rely on others and social institutions to thrive. There are structural advantages we fail to overcome despite our best effort and intentions. Again, I am not telling people to give up. Effort and good intentions are valuable in themselves. However, we must acknowledge the structural and socio-economic advantages that are unfairly distributed. Unless he acknowledge them, we cannot do justice to those from low-income household or single parent. Telling them to just tread harder could help, but at the same time, it is an injustice. Therefore, through living in a low-income household, I have learned the value of hard-work and appreciation through recognizing those who have helped me. I've learned human possibilities to do great things together but also witnessed its limitations, especially in the academic context. Ultimately, what I have learned is how meritocracy is broken (if there is one at all) and it is unjust to pretend like there isn't inequality. I work in social and political philosophy and looking forward to begin a Phd in philosophy in Fall 2026. As a future educator and researcher, I dedicate my work to advocating for the marginalized and contribute a more just and empathetic world where all can live with dignity.