The privates were bestowed money by generous people with money earned. The problem I have with the "self-made, deserving" self-described op-ed writer is that he feels so exceptional and all others are nothings in his mind. I am sure many others were just as qualified for the "leg-up" he received. He, however, does not sound humbly grateful, rather he sounds like a sociopath. Lording it over all the rest.

Never have I heard you mention your scholarships and, as I hear you speak, you have a humility about them that becomes you. Not like this other. Your heart is in the right place.