When I hear about the single parents saying woe is me because I work two jobs, it also means I am not sympathetic. You made a choice to get knocked up and it required two jobs. I made a choice to go to school and it required two jobs. I didn't expect anyone to feel sorry for me...why do you expect people to feel sorry for you.
My dad said the fact I put myself through school will be a great story if I even run for office. I am not so sure...it made me feel less sympathetic towards others. Why should the struggles one overcomes to meet their goals be valued? They shouldn't be, imo.