One of the greatest problems I see facing my generation today is our inflated sense of self. Admission standards for colleges are increasing in difficulty as much as tuition is rising. If you don't have the grades and your parents don't have the money, good luck to you. The ironic thing for me is that both of those requirements are in place for me, yet my parents are refusing to help. I can understand their point of view, this is not some rant about how unfair my family is being. On the other hand, I look at this situation as possibly a bigger challenge than most would think.
I have yet to see the true purpose of FAFSA for a student such as myself other than to send me on the fast track to debt. They estimate my family contribution at well over a feasbile amount, especially considering that number is a big, fat 0. As a result, I'm offered a meager student loan and a larger parent loan. My parents have firmly stated their opinion on the loan, and needless to say it's not in my near future. This leaves me with the little scholarship money I have, my student loan, and a vast majority of my bills unpaid. What's a girl to do?
Work. I get a 35 hour a week job, on top of my rehearsals and classes. Studying and working consume so much of my time that even my cat complains of never seeing me. I have no social life other than the conversations I have with myself, and yet there is nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment I get from a job well done. Money problem solved.
That is, until I dropped out for a variety of reasons (one being having a breakdown practically in my vocal coach's lap), and I took so much time off to figure out my life that my student loans entered repayment. I'm still working hard and paying my bills on time, but I have no way to save money to go back to school.
Where does it even out? When do I get ahead? All I need is that piece of paper and endless possibilities will lay themselves at my feet. That's the kicker, ladies and gentlemen, one piece of paper tells the whole world that I'm smart enough, talented enough, informed enough to make important decisions in the real world. One piece of paper, hours of hard work, and thousands of dollars...
For what?
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Man, I don't want to figure out how to pay for college.
Have you looked at maybe taking some generals at a community college while you get back on your feet? Maybe getting a technical degree so you can pay of your loans and get back in school?
right on dude!!!!
that is what is happening to every young adult/student out there. the people making the rules and guidlines are the ones who have already received their piece of paper. if education is so vitale and necessary for us to survive, then people should be fighting to make it easier for us rather then making it harder.