The Northfield I See: A Few Thoughts on Privilege and Illness

In college I had an immune system of steel. Maintaining a healthy immune system at a college that feeds you the way St. Olaf does is a piece of cake. There’s no shortage of fresh fruits and vegetables, so getting your five a day is pretty easy.  You don’t have to think about how much they cost (fresh produce is quite expensive), and you don’t have to peel, cut, steam, roast, sauté or wash them. They are just there, brightly colored, delicious and seemingly free.

Eating so healthfully on an AmeriCorps budget is not quite as easy and while I could pull it off if I put in a considerable amount of food thought, I haven’t. Needless to say, my immune system of steel is gone and since I started my AmeriCorps position I have been sick (and not just sniffles, more like, can’t get off the couch for a couple of days sick) three times.  This has meant that I’ve missed a significant amount of work. Lucky for me, AmeriCorps allows us 10 sick days, I have very understanding supervisors and because I’m paid a stipend I don’t have to worry about losing money when I’m sick.

It’s a sign of privilege when you don’t go to work when you’re sick and you don’t have to worry that your bills will be late or the groceries wont be purchased because you haven’t been paid for a few days.