Rich Kid, Poor Kid: For 30 Years, Baltimore Study Tracked Who Gets Ahead

Though in her own childhood Jaundoo didn’t have the advantages of money or the most supportive family, as a parent she was determined her son and daughter would have both.

She’s got a steady job that pays well, managing sleep studies, she says. She’s in a strong relationship and plans to get married.

And her children — Romeo, 17, and 8-year-old Makai — are both on the honor roll. Makai’s in a gifted and talented program, and Romeo’s looking at colleges. He doesn’t know here he’s going quite yet, but plans to major in environmental protection.

Jaundoo prides herself on having been candid with her children. She says they’re astonished when they hear the stark differences between the way she grew up and their childhood.

“My mom tells me about the stories how she used to live in her childhood, and I like this better,” says 8-year-old Makai. “Because, like, she gives me support on stuff, and I enjoy … how it is.”

If the Hopkins report is any indication, Makai and Romeo have a far better shot at future success than their mother did.

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