The number of days until graduation continues to shrink as do the number of days until I move out and into my college dorm. With the excitement of the two, comes the stress; planning a graduation party and all of the details that go along with that, and filling out financial forms and papers for college. The simple fact that I'm a teenager carries a lot of stress on its own, but the stress of figuring out finances can get a little overwhelming.
I've always felt like a financial burden; I'm the only daughter living at home and we all know that girls tend to require more clothes than boys...who are usually satisfied with five tshirts that they can rotate through on a weekly basis. Girls also require things like makeup, brushes, tampons, chocolate, hair products, you get the point. I think it's safe to say that we are not cheap children. Let alone we tend to be more emotionally unstable and cause some extra turmoil within the family. What I'm trying to say is that I've noticed all these things and felt somewhat guilty. I feel like I'm always asking for too much, even though I'm quite satisfied shopping at Plato's and I'm always trying to get the most out of my $20. I don't view myself as someone who's high-maintainence.
My mom is always trying to reassure me that I'm fine, but when I'm always hearing about debt, or that she doesn't know if we'll be able to afford another repair, I can't help but to get upset. So with college coming up, money and finances seem to be daily conversation topics. It doesn't help that I'm the first child that my parents are putting through college, so they don't really have an idea of what they're doing. But i'm not that innocent either and I realize that; I slacked off when it came to scholarships and I wasn't too involved in high school. I was much more involved with my church than school clubs, and I was totally fine with that. Then the issue of me not having a job is another touchy subject. My mom seems to think that I simply don't want one. In reality, I would kill for a job! When I worked at an ice cream place in 2008, it felt so nice to save up all my money, and keep $20 in my pocket for a little extra spending money. After a series of events, I am still jobless. (If you have any ideas on a job for me, I'd love to hear them!) I just need to make an effort and start filling out applications. The only downside is not being free for a last minute get together, or a weekend church retreat....some sacrifices have to be made I guess.
Well, that's what I'm dealing with right now, and I'm finally sharing it with the world. I've been talking to a friend today and he and I agreed about this: sometimes the happiest, goofy people have a lot going on and are realing hurting inside. They may be dealing with family issues, a friend, or even a personal problem. Don't just assume that they really are happy. It may just be their way of dealing with it, and not bringing others down with them.
I'll leave you with that. Pray for me along with numerous other seniors who are dealing with the stress of college and finances. Pray that we'll give our worries to God and trust that He'll be at work in the situation.
I Will Praise You O LORD My God, With All My Heart I Will Glorify Your Name Forever
As a college student, I understand what you are feeling. I too was very worried about finances coming to an out of state, pricey school (Purdue). I first want to let you know that God really does provide in this area and that He will make a way for your finances to work out if it is His will for you to be at this school, whichever school it may be. Personally, my yearly tuition is forty one thousand dollars, not fixed. This means that each year, the tuition goes up for not only freshman, but the entire student body. Assuming I will attend college for four years, my estimated amount of debt is about one hundred forty thousand dollars. This total takes into account my current nine thousand in grants and scholarships. Clearly, I have a huge investment and huge cost with Purdue. In the beginning of my first semester, I constantly worried about how I would afford to pay off my debt. I am responsible for all of my tuition, my mother is not paying any of it. However, God has blessed me with a mother who is supportive of my schoolwork. I now have two options as to how I will pay off my debt. My mother has allowed me to move back in with her after graduation without rent in order to get a job and pay off my debt quicker. My second option is to work for the government and have them pay all of my schooling. Although my debt will be high, already I can see that God is making a way for me to afford college. There are many options for you as well. Even if you have not applied to many scholarships, it is not too late. Talking to a financial advisor can also be very helpful to you. The points I want you to get from this response is to set your eyes on what God wants you to do, don't be lazy, and trust Him to work it all out. Julie, I admire that you show concern for your parents. I want to challenge you to honor them by working hard in your schoolwork and by seriously seeking out financial aid. There are many scholarships available. My choir has even granted me two thousand dollars this upcoming year. Different housing options can also lower your cost for school. I realize finances may be somewhat of a new thing for incoming freshman, but it really isn't that hard. Mostly, it is just intimidating, tedious work. You can do it Julie! God will provide.
ReplyDeleteThanks Crystal! I think I really needed to hear that.
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