These days, college seems to cost three arms and a couple legs! Some things you can find a way to cut back on or avoid paying for and some things seem to be immovable mountains blocking your path to college! Last year around this time I found myself staring at that same mountain – and sadly I can’t tell you that it moved or vanished. BUT I did find a way to shrink it, make it seem much less intimidating.
When I first found myself staring up at the bottom of “Insufficient Funds” Mountain, I had to quickly gather myself with courage to overcome it. I strapped up my hiking boots and went to work. I applied to every scholarship I could get my hands on and never gave up hope – and sometimes hope was all I had after being rejected more times than not. Because I had my mind made up that I was going to college and money wasn’t going to keep me from it, I was willing to do what needed to be done. I had to learn not to sell myself short. No one can better advocate for me than myself. Some simply didn’t like what I had to offer – those schools that didn’t accept me and those scholarships that rejected me – but I believed a way was going to be made no matter what. And it was! I began to receive scholarships and work with my school’s financial aid office to receive the funds I needed.
Now I’m here and money is still necessary. In addition to learning to manage my health and time on my own, I learned quickly to manage my money! One of the first things I did when I got to campus was research the Work Study program (you have to be proactive with this program!). I went on my first interview and got an email the next day with the offer. With the biweekly checks, I learned to balance saving up for “rainy day,” having fun with friends, and FOOD (the dining hall gets old quick!). The important thing is moderation. You don’t have to go out every times your friends do. Be smart and aware of your own financial situation and be confident in seeking out the free activities and food. Most importantly: advocate for yourself and take care of you!