I had the prospect ahead of me of always being poor. I decided to forego some immediate pleasures like having cable TV, expensive Internet, eating out, seeing lots of movies, new clothes/shoes, name-brand products, etc. so I could save up, go to school, and get my life in order.

What you mention may well be their line of thinking. Nothing wrong with people thinking whatever they want. I simply did not want the kind of future that such a lifestyle would bring me (i.e., remaining poor).