So when do we breathe? Never. OK, not never, but it is sporatic.
It is even more sparingly if we have a financial concern on our mind too, to go along with all the homework, meetings and practices. Most students do not have the time to have a part-time job once they are at the collegiate level. So how are they paying for school?
Well some are on scholarships. Others have their parents or other family memebers helping, but most students these days rely on some form of financial aid, whether it is for their entire bill or just a portion. I myself rely on financial aid to help me pay for my schooling.
I come from a single parent household and I am trying to do my best for my mom right now because she went through college taking care of me on her own.
I know all parents want their kids to be better off than they were, so far we have accomplished that, but I do not believe my mom should have to pay every cent of my tuition and costs for school. Nor does she have that capability.
Now I know that many people take out loans and then think “OK, no more stress over that.” But then what do you think will happen down the road when you have much greater decisions to make than what meal plan to be on this year?
Soon we will have families, mortgages and other expenses that come with adulthood. I know many people in college still don’t have to pay for their car insurance or their phone bill.
Well I do, and I believe that it is going to help me so much more to be prepared now instead of being stranded “without a paddle” later.
The financial aid office here is almost always full of visitors. The only reason it may not be would be if it were closed. Otherwise there are students in there day in and day out that really truly need their help. I don’t know about other’s experiences, but mine have all been extremely stressful and unhelpful.
I know they obviously have a lot on their hands with people coming and going constantly, but a little smile and compassion can go a long way people. Hopefully as the school year continues the ways of the financial aid office will be more efficient, but for now can we at least try to be considerate of the students and their families that come in seeking help?
It isn’t much to ask. I mean after all, no matter how it gets paid for, all we physically receive is a piece of paper. That is worth maybe 10 cents. But the knowledge that we gain at this institution and the careers we may embark on after we walk across that stage and receive that piece of paper, that is priceless.
