I may have a different perspective Alexa I realise my intellect is rapidly diminishing these days due to my alzheimers, but I have arts and science degrees and am educated up to Masters level and also have many vocational practitioner qualifications. I am the first of my coalfield family to have achieved university education .
Throughout my life and career I have found that the spirit, compassion and support of many who cannot read and write (just to give one example) and those not afforded my opportunities in life, has been amazing. When a patient some years ago recovering from potentially life threatening surgery and its implications for my future, it was the ward domestic I found to be an amazing comfort. Fellow clinicians with all the bells and ribbons of their trade - far less so.
There is something positive in everyone, no matter what their status is on life's journey. Sometimes it just requires a little more enquiry.
I hope this makes sense. ~I have problems now in making myself as clear as I once did.