Introduction:
As someone who has always tried to treat others equally, receiving preferential treatment was something that made me uneasy. However, over the years, I've realized that sometimes, being on the receiving end of special treatment can be incredibly beneficial. In this article, I'll share my personal experiences with receiving preferential treatment and how it impacted me.
My First Experience:
My first experience with preferential treatment was in college. I was a teaching assistant for a professor who was incredibly fond of me. It started with little things, like giving me more responsibilities than other TAs, or letting me grade easier assignments. But soon, it moved onto bigger things. The professor started recommending me for research opportunities and internships, and eventually, even wrote me a glowing recommendation letter for graduate school. While I initially felt guilty for receiving such special treatment, I soon realized that it was helping me advance my career and opportunities faster than my peers.
My Second Experience:
Years later, I experienced preferential treatment again, but this time in my personal life. I was invited to attend a VIP event for a charity I supported, and was given access to an exclusive lounge area with free food and drinks. As grateful as I was for the special treatment, I couldn't help but feel guilty that I was getting something that others weren't. However, I soon realized that this wasn't just a matter of luck; it was because of my long-standing support for the charity that they had chosen to recognize and reward me. This experience taught me that sometimes, the key to receiving preferential treatment is simply being dedicated and loyal to a cause or organization.
My Third Experience:
Most recently, I experienced preferential treatment in the workplace. I was up for a promotion, and while I wasn't the most qualified candidate on paper, my boss recognized the hard work and dedication I had put in over the years. He gave me the promotion, even though there were other candidates who technically had more experience or education. At first, I felt guilty for getting something that others may have deserved more, but I also knew that my boss had seen the value I brought to the company beyond just my qualifications. This experience taught me that sometimes, relationships and personal qualities can be just as important (if not more so) than just having the right credentials on paper.
Conclusion:
While receiving preferential treatment can sometimes come with feelings of guilt or unease, I've come to realize that it's not always a negative thing. By recognizing the reasons why we might receive special treatment (such as loyalty, hard work, or personal qualities), we can use it to our advantage and appreciate the opportunities and benefits that come with it. At the same time, it's important to remember to treat others equally and with respect, so that we can continue to build positive relationships and experiences for everyone.