During a privilege walk activity in class, the student learned about inequality in society. The activity involved students lining up and taking steps forward or back based on their answers to questions about their experiences and backgrounds. The student realized they faced more challenges than others, as they did not make it as far forward as some classmates. This made them appreciate what privileges they have compared to others who face more adversity, such as living with drugs or racism. The student was thankful for this informative experience that taught them to be more empathetic.

1. Clayton Lightner
FYS 100
9-18-15
Privilege Walk
During the events of the privilege walk I learned a lot. The privilege walk was an activity
in which the class lined up shoulder to shoulder and were asked a series of questions.
Depending on our answers individually we either moved up a step or back. The goal was to
make it as far forward as possible which poses as the American dream. Throughout the exercise
I felt like I didn’t have it as good as some people because they made it and I didn’t. The kids
who made it never had to take a step back and I did sometimes and it was not a good feeling. I
just kept thinking about how some people don’t have it as good as other people. Some people
go through a lot more adversity on a regular basis compared to others. I didn’t make it and
there were some people that were behind me still. I was thinking if I didn’t make it and I don’t
have it that hard, what kind of stuff do those kids have to go through on a regular basis. This
activity really taught me that I do not have it as hard as some people do and that I need to be
thankful for what I have everyday and that I don’t have to go through adversity whether it is
drugs in a neighborhood to being stopped by police because of my race. In the future I can try
to look at things from a different perspective on things. Things that I can do everyday I should
just be thankful for it. This exercise was very informative and it taught me a lot.