income disparity

By Harper Harris | Features Editor and Alexandra Dassopoulos | Staff Writer Illustrations by Emily McShane

Although Hockaday comprises a diverse student body, the majority of students come from a higher economic status. Cristiana Miele ’22 said this stereotype prevents people from understanding income disparity and socioeconomic diversity at the school.

“As soon as you get to Hockaday, I think people know that there are students from lower classes, but I don’t think people really register and understand it until they have a conversation like that,” Miele said.

As a student on financial aid, Miele noticed a prominent culture surrounding money at school. One instance included a pajama day when Miele showed up in regular pajamas, but another group wore Gucci.

Despite Miele’s belief students do not outwardly judge those on financial aid, she said she frequently experienced microaggressions.

“I don’t think I’ve ever had anyone say anything outwardly like, ‘Oh, you’re poor.’ But I’ve definitely had it insinuated to me constantly,” Miele said.

As a Ross shopper, Miele said she received judgmental looks when she brought up that she shopped there. She also recognized a double standard because thrifting at resale stores like Goodwill or Plato’s Closet was viewed as “cool.”

“Why is shopping at Ross or Marshall’s considered trashy?” Miele said. “Little things like that are like a microaggression.”

Miele also was frustrated when her classmates assumed everyone traveled during holidays, bragged about their own