Somethings I just don't volunteer as they are private, but since you asked in this very public forum:
>Did you worry about food or housing situations
yes
>have to take care of the household and siblings cause parent's were working
yes
>deal with substance abuse of parents
luckily, no. but abuse from parent, yes. parents with undiagnosed medical conditions, yes.
>or any number of things that are common experiences among poor families
yes
>You're basically saying your material conditions didn't matter, which is just untrue for most things.
To quote the Dude, "that's like, your opinion, man". There were definite obstacles to overcome. I was able to, others are not. I'm not judging anyone for not being able to as situations are different, yet you seem to be wanting to judge me. My economic situation changed as did the economy dictated the earning ability of parent's jobs. I was taught how to talk to people that came to the door looking for the "adults" or called on the phone (before we finally went without a phone all through my high school years). Did I live in the ghetto? No. One of the better financial decisions my parents made and were able to do was built their own house. Not paid a builder, my dad and grandfather cut the wood, swung the hammers.
What was your situation like?