Melissa Fonseca: Part 1 - FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty
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- Опубликовано: 28 сен 2024
- In this episode, Melissa imagines more for herself than a minimum wage job.
See the rest of Melissa's story and much more at interactive.wt...
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About Melissa
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Melissa Fonseca has worked at a pharmacy chain for 16 years, but still barely makes enough to cover her bills. Meanwhile, the lifelong Humboldt Park resident sees her neighborhood being transformed by a wave of wealthy new residents who have been afforded the advantages that always seemed out of her reach. Will Melissa ever be able to get ahead? A reunion with her estranged mom might hold the answers she’s been looking for.
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About FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty
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In Chicago, your birthplace often determines your destiny. Children born in one West Side census tract between 1978 and 1983 grew up to have a median annual household income of $16,000, according to Opportunity Insights. Does the American Dream exist in Chicago? In FIRSTHAND: LIVING IN POVERTY, WTTW explores intergenerational poverty in Chicago in a documentary series, reported stories, expert talks, and community discussions.
FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty is part of the award-winning FIRSTHAND multiplatform, multi-year initiative focusing on the firsthand perspectives of people facing critical issues in Chicago.
www.wttw.com/f...
#FIRSTHANDwttw
Watch the full season of FIRSTHAND: Living in Poverty: ruclips.net/video/-XYTIuHE2gc/видео.html
And watch the entire FIRSTHAND series: www.youtube.com/watch?list=PLs3qXjCE-VeQ6tn6Lc2_fMiaYSc-DKxnG&index=1
I don’t understand why some of these wealthy residents living in her area don’t seek to help this young woman who is working in the hospitality industry struggling to stay afloat paying rent to keep a roof over her head; perhaps some of these wealthy neighbors could help her financially by paying her rent for at least one year; and establish a go fund me drive to raise money for a new vehicle with any leftover money for auto insurance!
I don’t understand why some of these wealthy residents living in her area don’t seek to help this young woman who is working in the hospitality industry struggling to stay afloat paying rent to keep a roof over her head; perhaps some of these wealthy neighbors could help her financially by paying her rent for at least one year; and establish a go fund me drive to raise money for a new vehicle with any leftover money for auto insurance!
Mama I was 40 when I went back to school to become an LPN, making $29.00/hr, single parent raising 7 children/ finally got off public assistance. In escrow right now for my first home .. I’m 45 now and second year in BSN, RN PROGRAM MAMA!! You got this
Congratulations that’s so awesome ❤️
Employable skill makes all the diff
Now ur bach will be meaningful too, unlike a bach in biz, psych, Italian, music, etc
blessings and good luck for you Angelica you will make a great nurse I am sure.
Ur an extraordinary woman! More power to u! Congrats and love ❤️
You just convinced me to go back to school for my LPN 🎉❤❤❤
When I was in highschool, my grandmother told me to "protect my womb at all costs". She'd say "There is no good excuse to bring a whole other person into the world without two parents under the same roof with the same last name. Marriage is no guarantee, but neither is a seatbelt". 😂❤️❤️ I hope this family is able to get on solid ground. This type of struggling is mentally and physically detrimental.
Agreed
What is it with older ladies always dropping gems. Growing up my mother also brought us up making sure, espcially the girls know the importance of education. She didn't even graduate high school and she had children when she was very young (it's a cultural thing and she was married too at a younger age) even my dad was married very young and had a child. But my dad finished his higher education my mom didn't see the point, she had us after marrying my dad. But she made sure all of us know how important it is to learn.
Society has changed. People as a whole have changed. Your grandmother is a smart woman. I was a single teen mother of a son and although it’s not easy, it can be done. I don’t think the concept of just married people bringing children into the world is the only way for a good outcome. There’s many people out here that come from single parent homes that seen poverty, etc and strive harder than the next that did come from a good home. My son is now 19 and graduated from high school with honors and student of the year. He knows the struggle and he knows how he has to strive harder in education and for work. Do I want my children to repeat what I did? No. Has my son? No. Will my daughter? No. Does a situation make a person? Only if the person allows it. What people go through doesn’t mean they can’t overcome it. I was a teenage mom that came from the bottom and now I am an older woman that never gives up. I took my past and I am utilizing it for a better future hence I am working towards my MBA with previous tenure as a Senior Representative at a financial institution. We are one of the main things that hold ourselves back and just because things are a certain way one day, doesn’t mean it’ll be that way the next.
Absolutely right. But you said it a little more gently than I did 😏
Some married men abandon their wife and children too. I see your point that it is easier to track down someone the woman was once married(e.g. Social Security) to for child support.
Some of these ladies are having babies by men they have been in short term relationships and/or men with poor work ethics.
The one thing these stories have in common are having too many kids when you are already in poverty. That just digs a deeper hole for yourself.
I’m wondering if the strain between her mother and her was because she kept having children out of wedlock. Ladies this is a sure fire way to become impoverished and dependent on the government. I really hate seeing this.
That's only part of the story to derive at a conclusion.
I am sure like all other people in relationships, she thought the relationship with these kids' father would last and she would have his support. Unfortunately, this did not happen. This creates its own set of issues and circumstances. However, no matter where you start from picking yourself up from your boot straps, your mental state and what you believe has more importance than temporary conditions.
I agree
When I was in highschool, my grandmother told me to "protect my womb at all costs". She'd say "there is no good excuse to bring a whole other person into the world without a dedicated family structure". "Marriage is no guarantee, but neither is a seatbelt". ❤️❤️ I hope this family is able to get on solid ground. This type of struggling is mentally and physically detrimental.
@@briann8983 If you have a child out of wedlock with no contract from the Father you should certainly expect that relationship to fall apart.
I'm over here crying about the strength of this mother. She's amazing
It’s not “ brave” or strong to be a mother in her circumstances. She set herself up for that. She made her choices to get herself into those circumstances. Don’t keep having kids or even one if you’re not in the position to afford or take care of them, or even yourself. She kept digging herself deeper and deeper into a hole and now she’s where she’s at. It shouldn’t be commended to follow this path, for anyone.
Its so important to enforce in your kids that you need to either go to college, trade school, or learn a trade after high school. It’s just what needs to happen now a days
If you’re not getting a degree in STEM, medical, or a specialized degree in business...no point to go to college. Tired of seeing people in 60k of debt for a drama degree
@@thehallswayy I completely agree. I didnt necessarily see myself in the STEM field but I'm glad I have the oppurtunities I do know because I chose a career in healthcare
Or military
Or enlist to get into the Federal Government.
I work construction I make 2,000 a week after taxes (hard heavy duty outside work) but now I’m on break and start my “forklift” warehouse job on Friday at 18$ an hour just for winter then I go back in summer
We all grew up poor but didn’t know it bc our parents made poor look normal❤️
So so true, my mom worked 3 jobs just to make ends meet
Amen!
Fuck that. We started in the middle class, and my family fell apart (like too many families unfortunately) and I knew we were poor.
Naw, my parents always reminded me we were poor. We still are.
Well I knew it because my friends had better stuff and dressed better than me
You are smart enough to go to school! Don't let the fear of failure stop you bc you can do it! Start slow, maybe 1 online class a semester. You've got this.
"I don't feel like I'm smart enough to go to school."
This is so heartbreaking, but not uncommon. Many of my cousins felt their same way until my dad went back to school, and then most of his sisters followed in his footsteps. They were all single parents (my dad included) who worked and took care of their kids. It's hard work, but it's possible.
If you want better for your kids, you have to be an example for them.
Thank you for this comment
Financial education needs to be taught in school
Exactly!!!! I know times are tough I’ve been there before and having financial education can help out a LOT!! You gotta cut out all BS you spend your money on and start paying yourself FIRST while investing. Investing in S&P 500 VOO index fund is a great start. Research and learning about finances is 🔑
That goes against the agenda though. The goal is to keep us poor
And what good is that going to do if you never make a livable wage?
@@MyThoughtzAndOpinionz no more excuses and this woe is me bull shit!! Go out get yours!!!!
Sex education is needed more as no one should have kids unless they're financially stable.
Oh wow, this was a good episode & I really want Melissa to strive. Being at Walgreens for 17 years is not something everyone can say. Longest I've ever stayed at 1 job is probably 3 - 4 years.
It's not something anyone would *want* to say. If you work for someone for multiple years and they're still paying you minimum wage, you're clearly being taken advantage of.
@@blaisetelfer8499 Obviously I wasn't speaking of being stagnant & not receiving raises a few times a year & ultimately getting ahead within the company. I grew up with people that have started out at Walgreens as cashiers and heaved worked their way up and are making a pretty good living. Have bought stock into the company and the whole 9. Geez. Seems like you always have to spell everything out here on RUclips. But whatever.
I lasted 12 years at a job
@@jenniferwilliams5478 Oh wow, that's impressive!
She makes this look easier than it actually is, I can’t imagine, bless her , sending all the luck in the world for the future to her and her family, Life in the uk is tough but looks tough on the other side too, she is a great person , haters in the comments need to shut it.
I don't believe higher education means higher pay. It helps, across the average but I work in tech. My boss and owner of the company I work for never went to college. He finished high school and didn't have the money for college so he didn't go. Now he's making hundreds of thousands a year. You'd never know it though as he's the most relaxed person with no need for anything fancy.
Is he a white male?
You don't need to believe. The fact is on average those with more education earn more money:
www.ssa.gov/policy/docs/research-summaries/education-earnings.html
Your boss is an outlier and anecdote.
What's your job specifically? Can you share your experience?
You're right!!! Work smart not hard, I have people in family, who never went to college are millionaires, and one's that did are still in debt still trying to pay off a student loans.🤦 🤦
That's extremely uncommon. Very few people have the inherent business sense, technical acumen, and entrepreneurial ability that would be necessary for that, not to mention the drive and whatever support system would be necessary. That's only slightly different than saying, I know a professional athlete, why isn't everybody one?
This make me so sad. Wow my heart hurts for her.... mcds is starting at $15.00 now here. I remember when my kids were little I used to work 7pm-7am to be there for them in the afternoon. Take them to school, drop them off, make dinner, parent teacher conferences etc. it’s not easy.
@icy rosette podcasts no mother would, what a stupid suggestion.
I pray 🙏 God give this woman a renewed mindset to rise above her situation.
Her Mom had 6 kids by age 21 with a father who didn't work. Now she has 4 kids with no baby daddies around.
Who would have thought this could lead to financial struggles?
@BJ22 Her mom and dad had 6 kids before the Mom was 21. I'm not sure if that was before or after his "disability," but that doesn't sound like a good plan unless her dad was a very high earner like a doctor, lawyer, or engineer (highly unlikely as he doesn't seem to have a "disability" that would prevent office work). My point is, she's making bad decisions, as her parents did before her, and her parents parents did before that.
Schools need to spend less time teaching kids Shakespeare, and more time teaching the facts of life: Having multiple kids (often out of wedlock) at a young age, with no marketable job skills is NOT the formula to success.
@@libertarian4323 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
@BJ22 So? It's pretty stupid to have 6 kids by 21 years old. I don't care what daddy does for a living.
@@libertarian4323 The schools don't cover Shakespeare any more.
EXACTLY
I'm trying to have sympathy for her, but 4 kids?!?! Why does every poverty story seem to be about single mothers with more than 2 kids. *Stop having kids if you can't afford the first one!* It is not fair to the kids to bring them into this world knowing damn well you can't afford a pot for them to pee in or a window to throw it out of! Use common sense and birth control! #smh
Where are the "baby daddy's?"
@@libertarian4323
Might just be one dad for them all, lets not jump to conclusions.
She is working and giving her kids what she can give them. Her house looks clean and organized. The kids look clean and well fed.
Judge not. Because you might be wrong.
@@heidimisfeldt5685 The house is probably clean because she has a taxpayer subsidized nanny who probably cleans the taxpayer subsidized house where this woman and her 4 taxpayer subsidized children live. Maybe there is just one baby daddy, she never mentions him- probably because he was a bad choice she made. My guess is, it's either one baby daddy who is currently in prison, or multiple baby daddies and she's just embarrassed to talk about it. In either case, why did she keep making kids long after she knew she was never going to get more than that min wage job (she had 3 of them after starting her current job)? She's just making one bad decision after another, just as her parents did before her.
Also, why is her electric bill so high in the summer? She lives in NY, it doesn't get that hot, she doesn't need to blast the air conditioning all summer.
@@libertarian4323 RIGHT!! Did you look at the 2nd and 3rd video?? Yea I can’t really give her sympathy like some families who are really out here with no house no job or anything. She throws out excuse after excuse after excuse on why she can’t further her education... Not to mention I worked at Walgreens and kept every little penny I got. No nails no hair no anything and still managed so she could’ve kept that $20 for that fill in and gave it to her kids “for the school book fair.” Smh
@@nicylee My mom would have told me there was no need for me to spend money at a school book fair when there is a whole library full of free books at the school. Free books are the best kind!
I completely feel for this woman. I wonder if there is a dollar tree around her groceries are a lot cheaper there. If there's anybody near her who coupons, that would definitely help her out. And i wonder if there's food pantries or a church or outreach program near her. I'm so glad her mom is opening up to her and sharing stories she'd never heard of. I hope this woman goes back to school if she wants to. I know you and your kids will do amazing things lady!!!💜💜💜💜
You raised three great ideas and you hit on the root of her problem.
Dollar Tree, using coupons, and getting supplemented from sources like food pantries and churches are excellent ways to sustain economically challenged people.
The root of her problem stems from her strained relationship with her mother. By the way she talked about her, she described her mom as calculated and distant. Her father was aloof and nothing more than an accessory to his wife while she portrayed her other relatives as family members that wanted to judge her and make strife. The only reliable member in her family seemed to be her one sister that walked up and down the street with her in Part 2.
My mom worked day and night to support my baby sister, my grandmother took me at 5yo we lived on the reservation. We are full bloodied cherokee but my grandmother kept the house up while my grandfather and father and uncles and cousins worked their ass off but we all lived in one big cabin the boys shared a room while I slept with my grandparents. I miss my grandmother and grandfather but to us we never thought we were poor our family hunted and we had livestock we always ate it might not have been what we wanted but our stomach was full. We always had clothes but shoes was only for school and meetings. Mama you got this don't give up on your self your showing your babies independence and when its time for them they will look back at you and say my mama taught me how to have patience and be grateful for what we have and to work my ass off. You got this mom!
You know what you all had a common goal and you were a true family all mucking in trying to make something from nothing , no slacking, you can look back on that , very similar to when i was a child we all pulled together.whereas i believe the family is not a true family nowadays.kids sit in their rooms doing their thing.idk
Shout out to anybody trying to come up and hustling the right way,however, the lady's weave, nails and eyelashes looked very well maintained. I'm not saying don't have theses things but make sure your kids are not lacking because of these things, this statement is from a true survivor mom who changed thousands of pampers to come up🥰❤️🖤💚
I agree with you all the way Queen. I do my own nails and hair to save !
Her lashes look old and her nails are super overgrown. I wouldn’t say well mai Renés
Well maintained*
I have an issue with the mother of 4. I can slide a mistake with having one child but you produced 4 children without academic and financial plan/stability. Now you're crying about your struggles of being a poor single mother. You made this life for yourself and had opportunities to better yourself but your priorities wasnt in order. Your nails, dyed hair and Audi in nice. I have no children because I never wanted to be in a struggle situation. I was responsible to work my ass off, put myself in college without government assistant and earn my degrees. Purchase my home, travel and be financislly responsible. We have opportunities and options in life to succeed or fail.
She’s has no money, but continued to have kids and she finds money to get her nails done. These young woman need to open their eyes to their future and make better decisions
Right!
Not to argue or anything but I would just keep in mind that it’s not ok to make statements like that that oh she’s spending money on something non essential she is not properly taking care of her money. Unless you know the whole situation I woudn’t say stuff like that. Since your focusing on the nails how do you know someone didn’t pay for her to get them done? Or something like that?
@@yulmarodriguez4 I think the point is, even if someone gifted her the nails, perhaps filling up the gas tank would've been a better gift. It's the optics, of it all. Nails take a bit of time to have done, so there you go. Time and money.
Is there a video of her at a salon? Do we know she doesn’t do them herself?
Yup exactly
Sometimes it takes a generation to break the poverty cycle. We grew up extremely poor without government assistance. What my Mom did give me was a strong work ethic. My job was to go to school and study. As a result I went to nursing school on scholarships and was able to break the poverty cycle. It can be done.
You are right it can be done... with a strong will power and belief
Some people just dont have it.i was 8 with friends wed go to the fair ground when in town on a sunday clean pick up all the rubbish take their clothes to the laundry , oil some machinery for 2 shillings each which is 20 pence in todays money dunno about cents. There are levels/degrees of poverty .that is the question
A couple years that my family had to go on EBT because my dad lost his job we ate the best food and had the most food. We struggle more when my dad had a job
My heart breaks .I would say go to school for CNA and see what doors open with that.
My little sister did this. After a few years got additional education and became a nurse. She also decided to only a step mother to one kids since it was financially difficult. I will destroy anyone who thinks they should pressure her to have kids, because people do this all the time.
Thats what I am for 20 years n support myself well.
Certification is fast but wages are low in that, too. If she can get in at a hospital and then get money for a nursing degree...do the ER 3 X 12 hour shifts and still time for a life and her kids.
I was just about to type the same thing it's not the most glam job but the pays is really good
@@dionnewalker2308 I beleiwc they are a valuable part of a society, soecualy now with the extended life spend and the baby boomer generation just beginning to enter long term care home. I do not believe it pays really well. Maybe for a few lucky one in private sectors or inexpensive location. They are often short staff and dealing with unreasonable demands of time per individual which will keep resulting in criminal act towards the elderly for neglect. It is a respectful career and one should be filled with pride when doing this work. Canada, just like the US is opening large amount of work permit from overseas due to the high demand.
I only have a high school diploma and no prospects
so I’ll have 4 children and drag them in the poverty from day one
Great planning
Well she can’t just get rid of them now dude
While my heart goes out to this young lady I believe she is responsible for he own poverty. 4 kids out of wedlock and no mention of the father being present. Lack of ambition. I believe that it's no secret that Walgreens pays crap wages. I noticed that her nails were done and she had a Coach bag. I do believe that her poverty can be turned around but it has to start with a change in mindset and some self control. She can count on being in poverty forever If she is depending on the government to help. I pray that she gets some confidence and job training. Being poor sucks.
@BJ22 you can defend her actions all you want. The fact remains that she is in poverty and it's mostly her fault she is there. I sincerely hope that she can overcome it. BTW I will be a millionaire within the next ten years when we retire. I still shop at Goodwill and my wife does her own hair and nails. It's all about priorities and self control. Bless you.
The Walgreens at my area pays 15 an hour for shift lead which isn’t bad to start out. Managers make 20 an hour and she should have been one by now... there are worse places to work
If I were her I would apply for office jobs those tend to pay 15-20 starting out and aren’t that hard to get. Or try to apply for a retail manager position due to her extensive experience in a retail environment.
@@FlansyLinny If I were her I'd get the hell out of Chicago. She's in the 3rd biggest city in the country and everything costs a king's ransom.
@@KP-hi1om Ah yes, completely her fault. She made those kids completely on her own, with no help from anyone else.And I guess it's her fault that the father's priority wasn't his kids?
I have just a High School Diploma, and I'm making $80k a year, able to support a Family of 3 on my own. A degree will help you somewhat, but you shouldn't have to rely on a degree to become successful. I have no degree, but make more than the average person.
I feel for this woman. Life for her would be easier with a loving and committed parter. The children would also benefit from a father figure
Hopefully one of the baby daddies will put a ring on it someday, but that's not likely.
Do you think maybe we are conditioned to think like that? Although yes would be nice to be in a partnership, as you saw from the mother and father. The mother works and has all the financial strain as the father is disabled. A loving relationship is one thing, and making ends meet due to education, wages and opportunities is another.
@@libertarian4323 how do you know she has multiple baby daddies
@@black_butterfly4947 She's has a pile of kids of wildly differing ages (4-17), and appears to have no baby daddy around currently. Maybe it was one baby daddy who stuck with her for 13 years, then recently dumped her. Maybe it was four baby daddies. Maybe it was 2 or 3. Who knows what's going on in her chaotic mess of a life. Whether 1, 2, 3, or 4 baby daddies, though, it would be nice if one (or more) of them stepped up and at least helped pay for the kids. And lets hope she doesn't squeeze out another kid (or kids) without a father, making her life even more of a mess.
Poverty???? This family has more stuff and luxuries than people in other countries!
It's less about how much you have and more about the perceived gap between the rich and poor. In countries with huge gaps like in the US, even people who are wealthy by typical standards feel more poor than they are.
Well this is poverty in America, not in other countries
I know rich people in AMERICA who don't have this much stuff. I know "poor people" in AMERICA who have barbecues all the time and smoke weed all day long - at $50 a dose.
@@oyotundookubegwa520lmao what? 50 bucks a dose? What's a dose? You're not making sense, are you doing the marijuana? 😂😂😂
@@NaRuHiNaTa83 Losers need to stop wasting their money on weed and pay down debt. Period.
Mother's Day is coming up.🍀🌸🌺🏵🌻🌹🌷🌼🌻🌻🌻🍀🌺🌼🌸
There are a lot of quiet heroes, all single or single again, raising their children the best way they know how. Support them.
MOST pregnancy ARE NOT PLANNED FOR ONE, SHE HAS HER CHILDREN AND IS TAKING CARE OF THEM WITH GODS HELP. WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT GODS PLAN IS FOR HER. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS HER AND HER FAMILY.
Single mother of four please give us the taxpayers a break
@@debrawilliams2781 She's NOT taking care of them. She lives in public housing and gets government daycare help. Kids are probably on Medicaid too. That's not doing for your children. That's the damn government - aka the taxpayer - taking care of them.
@@Mocs6574 u don't know what this woman finances and health insurance are and living in public housing isn't free rent its rent at less than market value and since u think u know so much even though shes working at Walgreens she might make too much to qualify for medicaid even if she makes a dollar over the requirement they will view her as making enough to get health insurance from her employer if they offer it so stop assuming she's just being lazy
Do not be afraid of success, beautiful. You are worthy and you can do anything that you put your mind to. If you want it, claim it and work hard for it. You got this!!
I realise it’s difficult but why have so many kids? I have a well paid job, mortgage and I’m financially stable however I still couldn’t afford four children🤷♀️ The system is designed to keep people like this lady down. We are all responsible for our life choices
Amen! I have a good job too but would definitely struggle with 4 kids.
Welfare makes it possible
First you point out that she made a family she couldn’t afford to take care of, then you do a 360 and blame the system.
Why someone would have kids if they can't take care of them self.
I grew up in Chicago, and because my mom worked for the state (dep't. of public aide) is what it was called back then. Because she worked for them we couldn't even qualify for free or reduced lunch. Our refrigerator was NEVER full, but we always had food to eat. I believe we got clothes twice a year, (school clothes and summer clothes). My sister and I started catching the bus by ourselves at ages 7 and 11years old. So we were pretty independent at an early age. When I look back, I could see that the Lord watched over us, protected us, and provided for us. I know my grandmother had to be praying for us, because before my mom could even go down that path of heavy drug use, she started having health issues and actually thought she was dying. Long story short, she gave her life to the Lord, and our LONG journey of change began from there. I pray for this young lady to have HOPE again, to DREAM again, and that the Lord would set up divine appointments and encounters with people that she is purposed to meet, that would change her life and her children's lives for the better. I pray that the Lord would dispatch his guardian angels to encamp around her and her family, and that the Lord show her how much she is loved.💖💖💖
One problem I see with these type of videos is that most of the families have a lot of kids. If they know they don't make enough then they shouldn't have too many kids, plain and simple.
I see weave nails and tattoos. Ijs no judgement but we need to make better decisions..
I also do not see any husband either for any of the kids either.
Was looking for this comment. Her hair looks real but I noticed the lashes and nails.
and coach bag that probably cost $300. I AGREE
@Alexis Lagrone thank you and you can get nails at the dollar tree 👜 could have came from a yard sale for a 1.00 hair looks real lashes or also a the dollar tree
none of those things are expensive and she works at fucking walgreens. she could have gotten half of that with her employee discount dipshit
I understand the struggle sis! I’m a recruiter and learning a trade will help change your circumstances. I’m in NY, where we have hospitals who will pay you to learn to become pharmacy technicians or phlebotomists!!! if you were here, I’d hire you in a heart beat with your excellent work tenure and amazing work ethic! You have a lot to offer and shame on Walgreens’s for not recognizing it!!
So she's been working the same low wage Job for 17 years and has no other source of income and still had 4 kids!! Wow just wow. You don't have the right to bring kids into your mess. No sympathy for her as it's her own mistake.
Her nails, hair and eye lashes are done though? When your really struggling you don’t spend the little bit of money you have on those trivial non necessities. So maybe money management is something she should look into and learn. There are books that really help so much
Financial struggles is no reason not to comb one's hair, maintain hygiene and look presentable.
So what? She works hard for her kids she deserves a treat …. Theres books about empathy aswell if you want to look into it
So, she's worked there for 17 years, making no money, but having kids while working this job and no money. Sigh.
Exactly
With limited upwards movement smh
She could have become a manager in that time or a shift lead, they make at least 15 an hour. My friend works at Walgreens as a manager and makes 20 an hour
@@FlansyLinny I was going to say I made friends with my favorite cashier and she is now management. It's possibly that she might not want to move up for fear of being in a different $$$ bracket and losing housing ?
@@suedefringe that could be it. Alot of govt programs basically disincentive people from improving themselves. I guess those who design these govt run programs don't want to see those who are on these programs succeed.
i love how she has kids to suffer poverty and the cycle can continue xD
She’s so sweet and cool. I really dig her personality.
I grew up poor. My husband & i make good money but we prefer to live simple. I dont ever want to forget where i came from cuz its what helps me to do better.
I don't understand why people continue having children when they are already struggling financially.
A lot of them do it for the child benefit, it's the only money coming in for a lot of them.
I don’t get why there’s such ignorant people like this
@@ashleybosvik3031 I can't imagine child benefit is anywhere near enough to be the motivation. Where are the fathers and why aren't they supporting their children.
@@n.delgado3189 everyone I know has had to decide how many children they can afford based on their financial situation, I don't understand why some people have more children when they're clearly already struggling.
@@nikki27ish welfare says You have to be a single parent to receive benefits. You don’t don’t understand what people have to do
I love this lady she is a good strong mother and woman God Bless her
I’m sure it would be difficult to manage 4 children, alone on a low salary, but I don’t have my nails done because I find it a wasteful expense. I believe that there should be a reset on her budget and an explanation of “wants” and “needs”.
She been working at this dead end job which she cant afford to be at yet still keeps having more kids the whole time she at this crap job
Amen sister! I'm with you.
You should still be able to have some nice things and feel good about yourself. How about these mega corporations pay people a fair wage and maybe give her a raise. They are lucky to have someone like her. Lastly, these companies have no problem letting the middle class pick up the tab for their underpaid workers. I’m sick of them getting away with it.
Amen!
No father in the picture, but you keep having kids... makes sense
why is it not obvious to people that they cannot afford to have kids? people need to take responsibility for their actions
@@0230630 because they just live off government assistance aka the rest of us and bitch about barely making it while they get benefits out the ass
I was thinking more about the big car. But owning and driving a big car is pretty cheap in the US compared to where i live.
I agree. Another thing is no one understands that these kind of jobs were never meant to be self sustaining. When you start having kids, it's costs. If u keep having them it prevents you from having a better life if you aren't in a financial situation that was enough to support a family. Having kids u can't afford to support is confusing to me. They act like kids were dropped from the sky. I had one. That's all I could support.
@@Bertuzz84 She doesn't need that car. She probably doesn't need a car. She lives in Chicago. Not exactly rural America.
So I was dirt poor and couldn’t finish college. Instead I joined the military and with that I was able to land a federal job afterwards and now I’m living comfortably in one of the most expensive cities in the country. What I’m saying is…no matter how shit your life may seems, there’s always something you can do to make it better! Way way better!
There are evening & morning classes at public school districts. Nursing, computers, etc. I'm taking computer classes, hoping to move up in my job.
I hope her oldest child can break the poverty cycle. The links are so thin that if there was another generation of single parents living at minimum wage, I just know they would be living in the streets 😔 Education is the answer (college, trade, self taught) as well as a strong family union.
Men/Fathers we need you! Please don’t turn your back on your children and family! Your children need you, your Queens need you to be a leader in the home. It takes 2 parents to properly run the household and manage the finances.
💯. Both a man and woman’s alliance is so important in raising children.
And as for you saying your not smart enough about yourself... You can do anything you want sis I know we're not sisters but in God's eyes we're all brothers and sisters. Yes it's a struggle and it's tough but you can do anything you put your mind to. Don't ever forget that. And God has his hands on and your family.
I worked for Walgreens for 11 years in Texas. I started at 16 as a part time job and worked my way up to shift leader making 14. 50. They changed the starting pay to 9 and your. Also got ride of the photo specialist position and called every one customer service associate. Walgreens will give you free pharmacy tech books and flash cards to help you move up to pharmacy tech. Also in Texas you can work in the pharmacy for 2 years as a pharmacy tech trainer. With 17 years in the company why didn't she try to pursue management or pharmacy tech? I quit in 2018. Hopefully things work out.
She chose to have 4 kids when she can barely even take care of herself. She has no right to complain about not being able to manage.
As a teen Mom, And Wife at 17, I know that Struggle!!! My kids thought we were 👍👌Too!!! In 60's,70's AND 80's, all of us were struggling.. But the❤️, Of Family, was the main thing, that kept us together!!! We had less in those days, and did more!!! Today 😢😢NO real family👨👩👧👦!!! NO DESIRE for GOD😤!!! Make More money🤑💸and have, Less to Show for it😢😢😢😢MB😢
You are amazing!! Life gives us lessons. Ive been there in some ways. This is a perfect time to start a home based business. Kids can help some. My granddaughter has an online store for used clothing that she started at 13 yrs old. Try doing some couponing and mealnpreps. You got this!!! Sending you blessings!!!
My sister! My heart goes out to you and your family. I remember the days that I had to struggle just to make it with two children. I know it’s hard my sister but it’s not impossible and I know that you can make it. ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I admire her for not aborting her babies, but I think her priorities are a bit mixed up. She claims there is no money to buy books, but somehow there is money for tattoos ,fake, gaudy nails and such. Also where is the father, it father's, of her children.
And the Pandora bracelet (with more than a few charms). Those things are expensive. Maybe it was a gift.
Also a Coach purse. I have a similar bag to that and I know she didn't get it for less than 100.
and a namebrand hand bag
They're somewhere out there. Cowards who do not have the balls to take responsibility for their kids
That’s a bit judgy. We don’t know if she pays for any of that or someone treats her. We also don’t know if She’s doing this very inexpensively by doing it herself. Finally, she does work in a business where appearance means a lot… So maybe she has to keep up her appearance as part of her contract or some thing. Regardless, there’s nothing wrong with her feeling good about herself. If that’s the type of self-care she needs to practice in order to be the best version of herself for her kids, then so be it. As long as she’s not neglecting her other responsibilities
I was poor and didn’t know it because my basic needs were always met. My mother did her own hair and didn’t wear makeup. She dressed us before herself. These women still seem to enjoy splurges women of the past did not. Too much opportunity in this world to stay poor. You might start off but staying is on you.
So you were struggling 17 years ago when you started working at Walgreens and chose to have 3 additional children, knowing the financial burden caused by 1... No sympathy here. We need to start being honest about stuff like this. Most of people's financial struggles come from their bad decisions. I can agree that the average worker should be making more, but we should also agree that most people put themselves in these financial holes that could have easily been avoided.
Having siblings is nice. I'm an only child and my daughter is an only child as well. I'd love to have more kids so she can have siblings but I can't afford it. It's already so expensive with one paying for tutoring, music lessons, basic needs. Decided it's best just to put everything into her. I found out too late in life that working a job is a waste of time but glad I finally saw the freedom of working for myself. Could not imagine giving decades away for minimum wage
PREACH
You are very judgemental and have no empathy. If she was making a decent wage she wouldn't be struggling. You also don't seem to understand the wage wealth Gap in this country or lack of affordable housing. My guess is you're against most social programs that would help people like her and you're also against things like labor unions. Judgemental? Sure is but so are you
@@timmcardle2233 Judge away. I don’t mind. Also, nothing you said disproves anything I said soooo….
My daughter started working for Walgreens 10 years ago and is now a store manager. My daughter only has a high school diploma. I'm not trying to put this woman down at all, but how can she afford to get her nails done, buy birthday cakes, have cell phones? I'm sure she qualifies for food stamps. I come from a family of 9 kids and when I say we were poor, "WE WERE POOR." To me when I watch this video, I don't see poor.
Hair and nails done. Over payments towards a trade school? This is not your situation but the situation you created.
Trade school is like 10k for a year, she would need to go back in time and not have any kids and a way better job to afford it. She could take loans out though.
The government would give her money to go to school because she is a single mother. She has to inquire about those resources. In DC single mothers get more than working people who want to better themselves. That mentality has to change. She doesn't seem motivated to change her situation.
She should of taken advantage of having great child Care and went to school part time… she set her self up for a not so good future
You take smaller limits on the credit card
I HAVE O LEVELS AND A LEVELS NO JOB, THEN AFTER RECOVERING FROM A HEART ATTACK IN FEBUARY 2023, IM GOING ON A RETAIL TRAINING FOR WORK FOR 50 TO 65 PART TIME. GOOD LUCK HEALTH AND HAPPINESS FROM GLADYS IN EAST LONDON. FATHERS AND MOTHERS HAVE TO DO THEIR BEST ONLY ONE LIFE TO LIVE. NEVER GIVE UP.
Your mom is a role model for all who have unfortunately got dealt a bad set of cards.
I really don’t get why ppl keep having kids when they are already struggling
Exactly or even one for that matter
BMW SUV
Works at Walgreens
1 kid has a Nintendo Switch
1 kid has a Apple Iphone
4 kids no father
Well, when the government pays for your house, Healthcare, daycare, and food one has plenty of money to spend. Don't forget hair nails were done too.
Forget nasty McDonald’s.... just cook better meals at Home.
Girl are you crazy? The clown is Sunday dinner nowadays. When I was a kid McDonald's on a Sunday (or any weekday night except Friday) was unheard of.
True. Eat some lentils.
Loose the fake hair and nails and that will save a lot of money. Ride the bicycle more, save gas.
@@suzanw9314 ..well said
@@roshelltannen9698 when i was growing up we barely ate Mcdonald mom always cook
My mom got me McDonald’s about five times total, and she wasn’t happy about it. She cooked healthful food at home. Nobody in our family is overweight or has BP or cholesterol issues.
It’s hard growing up Poor however you learn how to work hard . Keep pushing yourself forward
We were braught up on a farm. And we work and sometimes 2 jobs. We made it. God bless
I am in no way trying to criticize her financial dealings, I see that no one has mentioned her relatively new, not inexpensive vehicle, which surely takes a good sized chunk of her finances. VW is an excellent vehicle, but insurance, payments, and just routine maintenance ... not to mention the cost of fuel, eat up otherwise much needed funds. I commend her for having it, though I can only imagine how tough it must be to manage it all. I think you're doing very well, even struggling. Find a way to go back to school, girl! If Walgreens won't promote you up the ladder you need to prepare to "promote" yourself. Blessings to you and yours!
A lot of people in these comments seem to think that women make children all on their own, or that if the father leaves it's somehow only the mothers fault. Men need to start growing up and taking responsibility for their actions.
Yes they do! 👍
The government needs to start incarcerating men for nonpayment of child support.
This is exactly what I was thinking you said it perfect.
Many women don't state who the father is when getting benefits, so they don't mess up the father’s life.
The government and corporations wants unstable families
Stop having all these kids with no man around. Smh. Simple.
She drives a better car then I do she gets her nails done, smh
My husband and I made a little over $150k last year and we have 1 car. A 2005 SUV with a little over 100k miles on it. We also don't have children. And neither of us graduated from college. Go figure.
I have a 1999 Toyota solara
$5000 a month before taxes making airplane parts now UI $2000 a month my children are grown now oldest daughter ex police officer, son engineering student and youngest daughter in school for investigations
Her nails are out grown and messed up. How do you know she didn’t do them herself? Seeing as she had practice fingers on her kitchen table. How do you know a friend didn’t do them for her for free?? Just stop!! It was a 11 minute video. that car may be the only thing she has and chances are she’s paying on it witch will help build her credit. Stop being nasty. You literally made a Jealous comment under a video about a women living under the poverty level. SMH you weird.
@@ladydede88 LMAO trust me when I say that NO ONE is jealous of this woman. Literally.
This is a lesson to our young women to get an education before getting pregnant by a bunch of deadbeat men that won't marry you. I'm glad that single mom can afford the hair and nails, though. My heart does not bleed for her.
How do you know she does not get it for free from a friend or at a stylist training?
Blessings and good luck for Melissa and her family
I just don't get it. I have been watching a lot of videos similar to this lately. One thing many have in common: Fat, big car, making nails/hair. Where are the damn priorities? I don't lack money, still I avoid using my small car and use bicykle, eat cheap healthy food and for sure don't spend money to try and look good.
She has a flat screen tv, a nice place. She might be struggling, but she lives better than people in third world countries. Plus do not have so many children if you can't afford them.
It made me sad that she said she didn't feel smart enough to go to school to get a higher education. I think she can do it. She deserves better. 😢😊
her kids are so cute, she has a beautiful family i hope one day she gets back on her feet, i know its hard to raise kids on your own but you will make it...
Yes they are very well behaved and have nice manners which sets them ahead
Wow I'm 29 with one 12yro daughter it was tuff I had too grow up real quick even though me and my baby mom don't see eye to eye I'm always in my daughter life she stay with me cause I don't trust men around my baby specially these days but I wish this woman the best she is smart and I know she can make it through school she raising 4 kids by herself and paying bills I'm rooting for her just a beautiful lady ❤️💜
You kid save money....lose the eyelashes and nails...$40/month?
I feel for her. I chose not to have children and that is what propelled me out of being broke. I was able to focus on my own skills and education and live comfortably now. I know I would have been set back if i had children early in life.
This Woman is Fantastic! She and her Family Deserve the Good things!
Keep being amazing and staying strong! You got this!! 💯
I watch a lot of these stories and ALWAYS find myself asking the same exact question: Where are the fathers????? These children didn't simply appear through osmosis. Where are all of the sperm donors? Especially in the black community.
3 Steps to not living in poverty. 1. Graduate High School 2. Don't have kids out of wedlock 3. Get a job Also, It helps to not live in a blue state... You cannot tax to prosperity.
She seems sweet and hardworking and genuine. Its so sad that people are being hateful in the comments that she has her nails and eyelashes done. Just because she is poor she should have nothing nice or for herself? Her kids look well taken care of, loved, and well fed. She works, cooks, cleans, and raises 4 children. She is allowed to do some things that are just for her to make her feel good.
People commenting on her getting nails and eyelashes done isn’t hateful. It’s hard not to notice it. This video is about her saying she’s living in poverty but part of being a financially responsible adult is knowing what needs are and putting them above materialistic/cosmetic things. If she was really struggling she could save herself an extra $100+ by not getting those things done.
Why does she have no man helping with her children, they helped make them.
Man often find it easy to walk, and we do not know her story.
Her baby daddy is blk
@CONFEDERATE HERO STOP!!
In America men have an option to be with the kids & mom. They do have to pay child support, but taking the man to court is a hassle and long process to apply.
@@sonyaberry9805 Bullshit. I was married. My wife left and took my offspring with her. She left me with an underwater mortgage.
I chose to save my marriage. She chose to divorce me. The judge chose to give my ex wife sole custody, ordered me to sell my house, told me to pay support and for supervised visitation. She chose to leave and not let me see my offspring. So, I told the judge to go fuck himself.
What choices did you really think I had considering I wanted to save my marriage? Oh, that's right. Because she wanted a divorce, nobody gave I shit that this was MY MARRIAGE!!!
College doesn’t guarantee you a decent job, either. The only thing college guarantees you is student loan debt.
This made me cry.. I pray someone sees this and how much of a hard worker she is and a great mother, and offers her a better job opportunity. 🥺
When material quality of life is important you have to be carefull about how you go about in life. You cannot have keep having children when you dont see yourself in a very comfortable financial situation. Not good for you not your loved ones. Your money is spread to thin between the no. Of people in your family, n moreover you have to keep working long after they leave the nest.
Her voice is amazing 👍
Coach bag, nails, hair and lash extensions, the 12 yo kid has a phone. I just see bad financial decisions.
You have zero idea where those things came from? Could be gifts from other people 🙄
I guess people don't know about knock off, I buy knock off because I'm not going pay full price for purse I don't even have kids. dummies always see poor people think everything they buy is real..
If you can, invest in your kids learning a European language. In almost all European countries, university is free for everyone, even foreign students (Germany for example),they are allowed to work part time over there and the living costs are lower too. Gives them the chance to graduate debt free and the additional language skills further their career as well. Plus, they will also have the European job market open to them :)
Yes in a perfect life..let's all go to Germany. .you still need MONEY
I’m just genuinely trying to understand how her mom went back to school at 35 with 6 kids back in the day, but she doesn’t feel capable with far more accessible information(a few keywords, social media search, etc.) and resources in this time. It’s perplexing. There’s for sure a lot of her story left out. If it’s a learning disability that’s a barrier, there are plenty of free resources available for these challenges now as well. I’d love to see an update on her in the coming year.
With her amazing job history a good company will snap her up paying 15 an hour. Girl is a gem and doesnt know it.
Beautiful little family.. life will be fine in times to come, it’s not the end of the world yet...God bless🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼
She is a PHENOMINAL woman/mother!!
its crazy how life is you know struggles. but what kills me is that all of them have 2 to 4 kids. if at 1 kid i know my life aint on point i would stop!!! having kids until my life is somewhat stable.