A netizen shared how he was shamed by an old classmate for using his parents’ money to pay for his uni degree.

He said that it seems like quite a few people are judging him for using his parent’s money to pay for his degree, and asked if there is really a need to shame others for not going the same way as them.

He added that he took an interest-free loan from his parents to pay for his degree and that he would be paying them back.

Here is what he said

Recently I caught up with an old classmate of mine and I was talking to him about my PhD journey soon (I got accepted with a scholarship). The first thing he asked me was if I paid it myself and I said yes, I have a scholarship.

We talked a bit and he left for another appointment. Although obvious, it seems like quite a few people judge you based on whether you use your parents money for degree/studies. I don’t really understand why they do so though. Like I get that you paid for your degree studies yourself (and you are proud of yourself for doing so), but is there really a need to shame others for not going the same way as you?

Many ex-students (like myself), take an interest-free loan from parents (to tide through uni) and pay the principal back over installments, which is a much better idea than loaning from banks.

Can someone enlighten me on why some financially independent students feel the need to shame others? I don’t really get it, like does it make them feel better than the other person or something?

Edit. For some context, back in our uni days (bachelor), I mentioned I was taking a parents loan and he said that he took a bank loan. He proceeded to call me spoilt. I later clarified that I intended to pay them back, which he took back his insult.

Netizens’ comments

What, u guys didn’t have to tap rubber or work the padi fields b4 going to school every morning?

Yr parents paid for ballet, swimming, abacus and tuition classes after school?? U didnt have to cook and clean and look after your 12 younger siblings???

What do u mean u took mrt n bus to school….. u didnt have to wade across a river and walk 10km each way? How did u do yr homework then…. not under the moonlight but gasp, led lights…. on your study tables?

Oh the shame! Snowflakes, the lot of u! Shame!!!