In this series, students and industry experts share stories and perspectives from inside the student debt crisis. Share yours here using #StudentDebt.
Yes, say goodbye to students who actually care about a wholesome education, and say hello to those who don’t. If tuition continues to increase at its current rate, the education system will be full of students who just want to go to class and get out. When I say “wholesome education,” I mean extracurricular activities like joining clubs/organization, attending non- class related lectures, and studying/interning abroad. Basically, I mean going the extra mile to get your money’s worth.However, some students cannot get their money’s worth, because they are too busy trying to make money for survival. In all honesty, I was that student. All I could think of was getting that next paycheck to pay towards my tuition payment plan.  I attended my classes, then I went to work. That was it.  I was scared, I feared that if I messed up somehow, I would end up deep in student debt. Yes, I know it sounds like an overreaction, but hey, better than no reaction at all.
During my junior year, I had calmed down a bit.  I decided I wanted to immerse myself into all aspects of my education. In fact, I felt like I deserved it. However, in order to enjoy my education, I had to take more risks with my finances. For example, in my junior year, I studied abroad in Ecuador.  It was so exciting, and for once, I felt like I was taking charge of my own learning. But, not surprisingly, this amazing, beautiful, and fascinating trip came back to haunt me the next semester.  Because I had spent my money on the trip, I had no money saved up for my next payment plan. I received a notice explaining that I owed 3000 dollars to the school, which I had to pay in under two months. My body immediately went into panic mode. At that time, I was working at the University library, and barely making $300 bi-weekly. My options were to take out a parent loan, which I knew was not possible, get a private loan, which felt like a bad idea, or get a second job. At this time, my brother was in the mental hospital, so I knew I couldn't bother my mother (single mother of 6 kids) with these financial issues.  I was terribly stressed. This financial stress led to cluster headaches, which in the end, also costed a lot more money. There would be days where I would miss class and work, because my headaches were so bad. At times, I could not see, because my eyes were forced shut. I felt like my eyelids were paralyzed. While other days, I could not walk straight.
 Yes it sounds terrible, but my story does get better. When I read that financial notice, I marched myself to the president's office. Of course I did not get to speak to the president of my university, but I did talk to her secretary, and she was very supportive. She spoke to financial aid for me, and they found a couple of solutions.  Financial aid granted me with a 1,000 dollar reward, and because I had moved from being a junior to a senior in the same semester, I would be able to receive an additional federal loan.
The semester had been the worse of my college experience, but also the most fulfilling. I went from not caring about wholesome education, to caring, and then regretting it, and then back to caring again. If I were to offer any advice to other students who are in the same predicament, I would say, do not be afraid to fight for yourself. Sometimes we are simply scared that our voice is not strong enough, or we assume that we will be lost in the “system.” Speaking of system, do not be afraid to fight it. You are worth it.
Also, stressing over finances is a waste of time, and it can seriously impact your health. I know it is hard to not worry, but try your best not to. I am now a college graduate- Class of 2016!  I will be moving to Los Angeles in a month. I’m expecting hard work and no play, and I am okay with that for now. To tie everything together,  I have realized that regardless of the presidential candidate or our occupation, we will always owe someone something.  There will always be car bills, health insurance, and phone and home bills. We will always owe something, so we might as well enjoy our lives in the process. Budget well, live your life, and care about your education.