My first experience with DEI was with the MESA program (Minority Scientists & Engineers Assoc). They paid kids a small amount for good grades. Oh how I wanted that money. At the time I did not understand how privileged I was. I only understood that I wasn't getting paid. I didn't understand that I had something far more valuable than pocket change: both of my parents had college degrees. I went to college for an engineering degree - it was expected - but only a handful of MESA participants did.