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One of the biggest reasons many of us don't think of going to
college (aside from the thought of having to spend four or more years
sitting behind and desk and having sore shoulders from carrying books – but
more no this later) is that we don't know how we're going to pay for it.
Right? It cost a lot of money to go to college!
Mom and dad have enough to worry about without having to
figure out where to get money for our college expenses. So though they may
help out with part of it, thinking they're going to carry the whole load is
out.
So, we get a job, and figure college can wait. Or maybe we
can do without it after all. Let the rich kids go to school. We'll work.
Well, wait-up, not so fast amigas, chicas, and all you brainy
dudes out there. Getting money for college is actually one of the easier
things you can do. That's right. I'm sure no one told you that once you
graduate from high school and you're on your own as an adult, that things
are going to get tough. Well, they are. So, spending a few more years in
school, getting smart, going to parties, and hanging out on a nice college
campus while someone else pays you to do it has its advantages. And
relatively speaking it's pretty easy.
So where do you get money for college?
Glad you asked. First of all, if you're reading this, you're
not rich, and your parents are not rich. Right? Well, this is a good
thing. There are tons of people who want to give money to underprivileged
kids to go to school. And this is because it benefits society as a whole to
have educated citizens. Also, there are tons of people who are actually
very nice, and they care about others and have created grants (free money),
and scholarships (free money) so that you can go to school. So, being poor
or not very wealthy is going to come in very handy.
The first place you should start looking is the federal
government. Go to this website.
http://www.studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/lsa.jsp
Do what it says. Follow all the interesting directions and
links. This site will tell you not to pay scam artists on the internet for
information on where and how to get grants and scholarships. They are
absolutely right! You can get information for free. I promise. Federal
and state governments are a good place to start. Then visit the financial
aide office at the college you'd like to attend, and they will give you more
information and places to investigate.
When I hear of interesting grants or loans, I'll let you
know. But start with the one listed above.
It takes some time to do the research, but it's well worth
it. We're talking about something that is going to affect the rest of your
life. So spend a few months learning about how to attend college for free
or cheaply.
Now, in my first paragraph, I said I'd address the why
you'd want to spend more time in school. Well, duh, it's sort of obvious,
no? Let's see so do you want to flip burgers for a living (cool job, I'm
not knocking it. I'm sure glad someone is doing it – but do you want it to
be you?) or do you want to drive through the drive-thru in a Lexus or
Mercedes and have someone else hand you the paper bag and tell you to have a
nice day? Do you want to be in a position to help out your family some
day? Do you want to be in control of your life, doing something you chose
to do for a living, or something you have to do to survive?
All joking aside, seriously now, this is your chance to build
your life exactly as you want it. If you've got decent grades (and if you
don't, porque no?), and all you're missing is money – don't let that stop you.
Figure out where to get it (legally, okay?) and go to college. You'll be
grateful you did.
And don't forget to email me and let me know that you have,
just because I nagged you. Otherwise, I'll always think I wasted an hour of my
life writing this article. Deal? Okay, off you go.
Stop reading this already, and go search for your college
money.
Are you still here?
GO!!
(Jeesh, some people)
Lara |
