I am grateful for, but also take for granted, the fact that I have not had to buy my own laptop or camera for school. I have saved hundreds of dollars because of relatives who help me out.
I got my first laptop when I was in 7th or 8th grade. It was my sister's old one and ran incredibly slow, but it was mine.
My second laptop was also a hand me down. A Christmas gift from my cousin so I didn't have to buy a new one for college.
My current laptop was also sent to me from him plus a web cam, SD card reader, mouse, and external hard drive, but this time I will pay him back.
He also gave me his $300+ nikon camera and an extra lens so I would be well equipped for my photojournalism class last fall.
I recently handed that one off to my dad, with my cousin's permission of course, for his 55th birthday.
After my grandfather passed, my dad asked my grandma if I could have his Canon, lenses, and bags. I have it all.
My goal is to work and love the Canon just as he did. I'm lucky that my family has looked out for me when it comes to technology needed for school, and future endeavors. I know I have yet to take full advantage of these gifts.