lodirulz
Hank Scorpio
Live as the color red in a world of black and white.
Posts: 6,412
|
Post by lodirulz on Aug 12, 2015 14:36:14 GMT -5
When it came to graduating high school, the first thing that came to my mind..... was yelling "ITS ABOUT TIME!" when I walked the stage to get my diploma. I did, I got some laughs and some high fives, that was all good. The second thing that came to my mind, was that I wanted to go to a community college instead of a university, because it seems like that you can't fully pay for a university without accumulating any debt unless you have an angel spitting water fountain and a cobblestone pathway in your driveway. And that, is when my laughter stopped.
It started off well, I went to a particular college that I had in mind, and I took some quizzes to see what classes I'd be eligible for, I got an above average score one quiz, and the other quiz, I got a genius score. So I ended up with a schedule that had African American History, College Level English, and some Theatre classes because I really love acting and becoming a character that isn't the real me. Those were the three classes that I had for the fall semester.
.... But then, I got introduced to three other words: College. Semester. Bills. 1700 American Dollars a semester. At first, I'm like, well OK, that isn't TOO bad.... not factoring in that my father lost his job in February of this year, and that the family needs food and needs to pay for bills to keep a roof over our heads with my mother's work paycheck..... and that textbooks are about 300. And I needed three of them.
I'm not going to blame anybody, but here I am in August, the fall semester starts next month, and while I DO have BARELY enough money to pay for that semester in my bank account, its clear there's no way I'm going to be able to keep up with 1700 a semester. I could play Huniepop for a whole year, and I still wouldn't be as f***ed in that game then I am in my current situation with college.
We tried heading to a place that not only helps you find jobs, but helps financially aid you in college. But when I told the guy that I wanted to go to college because I wanted most of all to continue acting, he said that there's a reason that it's called starving artists, we are not in New York or Hollywood, we are in Massachusetts. Not many spots available for acting jobs in Massachusetts. We can't really help you there, we are looking for business people, engineering people.
And it sucks too, because a majority of my friends are going to that exact same college, but the thing with me is, I rarely hang out with friends outside of school and outside in general. I'm like Spongebob, I'm singing indoors with a penny, a chip, and a used napkin.
Another thing that sucks is that my parents are mentioning more that I'm going to need to start thinking about getting a part time job so that I can "just get by." And that's the thing, I don't want to have a job so that I can "just get by." Don't get me wrong, I am fine with starting at the bottom and working my way up. I am fine with starting off with a low wage. But I want to have personal enjoyment in my job, not just work because I have to work, work because I love what I do and want to work hard because of my enjoyment of it.
So to sum it all up, I can't even afford to go the community college, and because I'm more of an indoors person, I don't really hangout with my friends, and I'm upset that I have to probably just work to work and hang on, instead of getting something that I love to do in terms of work.
So my question is, any advice on what to do next for me?
|
|
Crimson
Hank Scorpio
Thank you DWade
Posts: 6,511
|
Post by Crimson on Aug 12, 2015 14:39:16 GMT -5
What's your major? Some part time jobs like Publix or Winn Dixie will pay a part of your tuition depending on your degree.
|
|
|
Post by xCompackx on Aug 12, 2015 14:42:22 GMT -5
Do you not qualify for federal financial aid? I know it's different with every college, but you should be able to at least qualify for a federal Pell grant and a Stafford loan. I would contact your college's financial department and ask about whether you could qualify for anything. You might have to wait until next semester, but it's worth it for an education.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2015 14:42:46 GMT -5
Gotta take student loans if you want a college education in the US and your parents aren't paying for it. Depending on how well off your parents are, you can get grant money from the federal government, and the schools will often have grant money as well, then you can get the loans to cover the rest along with having a job while going to school. There's a form called the FAFSA you have to fill out each year to get that money and the federal loans.
So, my advice, only do it if you're exactly sure what you want to study.
|
|
|
Post by YAKMAN is ICHIBAN on Aug 12, 2015 14:44:01 GMT -5
Your school should have some sort of financial aid counselor, that would be a good place to start. Apply for scholarships. ALL THAT YOU CAN. My wife works for University of Illinois Chicago and you would not believe how many scholarships are awarded at a large school like UIC where there aren't but one or two applicants.
Avoid private lenders if you can. I've got all of my 200K for undergrad and law school through the feds, and am able to keep it all on low payments based on my income (and forgiven if I work for 8 more years (2 down!) in a government or non-profit job)
I know nothing about acting as a profession, and whether or not formal college education is a requirement. I know there are some actors on here though so maybe they can provide more specific advice.
Apply for scholarships.
The grant programs have been scaled back in favor of loans.
|
|
|
Post by Raskovnik on Aug 12, 2015 14:45:08 GMT -5
Gotta fill out the FAFSA. There's help out there.
|
|
lodirulz
Hank Scorpio
Live as the color red in a world of black and white.
Posts: 6,412
|
Post by lodirulz on Aug 12, 2015 15:31:56 GMT -5
Alright, to answer a couple of questions:
My major is Theatre. (HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND AND MARBLES AT THE EXACT SAME TIME?!)
When I was talking to the main school counselor during my last couple months in high school, she said that "when it comes to picking a major, pick 1: A major that you would enjoy learning about, 2. A major that you would be good at, and 3. A major that makes you happy. Forget about what makes the biggest salaries, because if your not physically or mentally enjoying it then, what makes you think you'd enjoy it when you leave college, even with the promise of a lot of money?"
I originally wanted to try Gender and Women's Studies, because I'm a feminist and I like learning about gender, I'd enjoy the subject because I'd like learning about it, and it would make me happy to be a part of classes like that. My parents shut that down HARD, because they said to me, "Jeremy..... can you honestly think of a job that you making a living off of with a college major of GENDER AND WOMEN'S STUDIES?" And so there went that idea, because I honestly couldn't give them an answer, so I chose Theatre instead. And even then, my parents weren't for it, because it's not a easy thing to get jobs off of. Then again, my parents aren't really for going to college in general, because of something that I'll tell you about in a moment.
As for student loans, you have no idea how weary I am about them. I qualified for financial aid, yes, but it's a loan: $2500 a semester, yes, but I watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver every week, the purpose of a loan is to try and make as much money for the loan organization as possible, to the point of which that you are so behind on one loan, that you have to take out another loan to pay it.
And plus, one of my three brothers went to college, and I kid you not, ten years plus after he was finished, he's STILL paying off his student loans TO THIS DAY.
So my parents are basically like "look, college isn't worth it. You need to focus on being a part of the work force, not working on the money that colleges force you to take out, because they are too damn expensive." They want me to forget about college and start looking for a part time job. The only thing that they suggested in terms of actually going to college, was demoting Theatre to a minor, and looking for something Business related for a major, because you could still probably keep your theatre classes, and maybe you'd actually get some aid because you'd major in something business related.
|
|
|
Post by Limity (BLM) on Aug 12, 2015 17:13:39 GMT -5
An obvious answer is to join the military, and reap the subsequent benefits. You'd be surprised how many actors and actresses came out of the military.
A part time, or even full time job is hardly a bad idea. Live at home, if your parents are OK with it, work your ass off for a year or two, and see if college is more attainable then. Perhaps by then enroll in a community college and get your core classes out of the way.
Going for Business with Theater as a minor is a very practical idea as well. There's a business side to every facet of entertainment. You can work behind the scenes, and work your way towards your dream of being onstage.
It sucks, that's for sure. Don't ever let go of your dreams, just remember that those dreams do not entitle you to anything.
|
|
|
Post by xCompackx on Aug 12, 2015 17:28:55 GMT -5
Alright, to answer a couple of questions: My major is Theatre. (HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND AND MARBLES AT THE EXACT SAME TIME?!) When I was talking to the main school counselor during my last couple months in high school, she said that "when it comes to picking a major, pick 1: A major that you would enjoy learning about, 2. A major that you would be good at, and 3. A major that makes you happy. Forget about what makes the biggest salaries, because if your not physically or mentally enjoying it then, what makes you think you'd enjoy it when you leave college, even with the promise of a lot of money?" I originally wanted to try Gender and Women's Studies, because I'm a feminist and I like learning about gender, I'd enjoy the subject because I'd like learning about it, and it would make me happy to be a part of classes like that. My parents shut that down HARD, because they said to me, "Jeremy..... can you honestly think of a job that you making a living off of with a college major of GENDER AND WOMEN'S STUDIES?" And so there went that idea, because I honestly couldn't give them an answer, so I chose Theatre instead. And even then, my parents weren't for it, because it's not a easy thing to get jobs off of. Then again, my parents aren't really for going to college in general, because of something that I'll tell you about in a moment. As for student loans, you have no idea how weary I am about them. I qualified for financial aid, yes, but it's a loan: $2500 a semester, yes, but I watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver every week, the purpose of a loan is to try and make as much money for the loan organization as possible, to the point of which that you are so behind on one loan, that you have to take out another loan to pay it. And plus, one of my three brothers went to college, and I kid you not, ten years plus after he was finished, he's STILL paying off his student loans TO THIS DAY. So my parents are basically like "look, college isn't worth it. You need to focus on being a part of the work force, not working on the money that colleges force you to take out, because they are too damn expensive." They want me to forget about college and start looking for a part time job. The only thing that they suggested in terms of actually going to college, was demoting Theatre to a minor, and looking for something Business related for a major, because you could still probably keep your theatre classes, and maybe you'd actually get some aid because you'd major in something business related. Every situation is different, but community college isn't usually anywhere near as bad for loans as a university would be. Payments are deferred until 6 months after you graduate, so there's plenty of time to land a job before your payments start. As for your major, your parents sorta have a point in one sense. You do want to be kinda picky on what you major in just because you'll want something to fall back on. The theatre aspirations are great, and you should definitely pursue that. But a business degree would do you a lot better if only so that you have something in case a job opportunity comes up.
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2015 17:58:57 GMT -5
A part time job is a great idea, actually. Depending on where the job is at, you can adjust your availability based on the classes you're taking, and if your main area of expense is going to be that $1700 a semester plus books, assuming you even have a part-time schedule of 20 hours per week, you will make enough to pay that off, and still have some for other expenses and/or to help out with your family's finances.
Working at something you love is great but sometimes you have to just make money too.
If you're at all interested in business or a more traditionally useful field then getting a major in that subject is also not a bad idea. You can still do a theater minor, or even double major if it's available and you're fine with a little extra work.
|
|
|
Post by SHAKEMASTER TV9 is Don Knotts on Aug 12, 2015 18:04:29 GMT -5
Alright, to answer a couple of questions: My major is Theatre. (HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MIND AND MARBLES AT THE EXACT SAME TIME?!) When I was talking to the main school counselor during my last couple months in high school, she said that "when it comes to picking a major, pick 1: A major that you would enjoy learning about, 2. A major that you would be good at, and 3. A major that makes you happy. Forget about what makes the biggest salaries, because if your not physically or mentally enjoying it then, what makes you think you'd enjoy it when you leave college, even with the promise of a lot of money?" I originally wanted to try Gender and Women's Studies, because I'm a feminist and I like learning about gender, I'd enjoy the subject because I'd like learning about it, and it would make me happy to be a part of classes like that. My parents shut that down HARD, because they said to me, "Jeremy..... can you honestly think of a job that you making a living off of with a college major of GENDER AND WOMEN'S STUDIES?" And so there went that idea, because I honestly couldn't give them an answer, so I chose Theatre instead. And even then, my parents weren't for it, because it's not a easy thing to get jobs off of. Then again, my parents aren't really for going to college in general, because of something that I'll tell you about in a moment. As for student loans, you have no idea how weary I am about them. I qualified for financial aid, yes, but it's a loan: $2500 a semester, yes, but I watch Last Week Tonight with John Oliver every week, the purpose of a loan is to try and make as much money for the loan organization as possible, to the point of which that you are so behind on one loan, that you have to take out another loan to pay it. And plus, one of my three brothers went to college, and I kid you not, ten years plus after he was finished, he's STILL paying off his student loans TO THIS DAY. So my parents are basically like "look, college isn't worth it. You need to focus on being a part of the work force, not working on the money that colleges force you to take out, because they are too damn expensive." They want me to forget about college and start looking for a part time job. The only thing that they suggested in terms of actually going to college, was demoting Theatre to a minor, and looking for something Business related for a major, because you could still probably keep your theatre classes, and maybe you'd actually get some aid because you'd major in something business related. Hey Lodi, I'm a current student and I work-study at my school's financial aid office so I've seen a lot of applications for FAFSA. When did you file it? Was you parent working when you applied? Does he take unemployment now? Do you work or have any other siblings in currently college? Answering those questions can change how much you get. Do you get Pell Grant or just the Stafford Loan? Pell Grant is not paid back. If you only qualify for the loan, there is a difference between the loans offered by Studentloans.gov, which gives out the student grants, and private loans, and that is you won't be able to borrow more than your financial need since it's based on your FAFSA application. I didn't see that John Oliver episode, but I've read about it and if you choose subsidized loan, I can't see you getting $200,000 (included interest) because they won't let you borrow that much. Again, I can only speak what I've seen and on the CUNYFirst website where you apply for the amount you want, it will literally go red and adjust if it says you can't borrow that much. The maximum for a first time borrower is $3500 over two semesters. Most important is that there is no interest accrued as long as you are a student half time. Six months after you graduate or you leave school, the grace period is over and you have to start paying as interest will accrue. I'm NOT advocating taking out a loan, I don't have a loan now either and definitely don't want one, but its better to be educated about it now because there are no Pell Grants once you get your Bachelor's Degree. You said you qualified for financial aid and subsidized loans are only available for those students. If you don't and want to take a loan, you have to use unsubsidized where interest accrues as soon as its paid out. No grace period, deferments. Private loans only benefit I guess is that there is a statute of limitations and if you default on a federal school loan, your wages can be garnished and money taken out of social security. I might just wait till the 2016-2017 FAFSA application is ready, that will probably happen in December this year and January next year. Since you are 18 you are still considered a dependent on your parents so you can use their taxes and if he doesn't file taxes for year 2015, that could be beneficial since you have no income to report. Definitely keep an eye if they don't file to put the correct choice in the status section under finances. If there are other exemptions(people claimed) that could also mean you get money. The maximum Pell Grant is about 5,700 over two semesters.
|
|
|
Post by Unaffiliated on Aug 12, 2015 20:40:24 GMT -5
Stuff like this makes me feel really bad about going through college and graduate school fully funded by family. It really doesn't seem fair that opportunities get stunted by purely financial reasons.
I'm not in much of a position to give advice, but I agree that there eventually has to be some compromise between dream major and practical major. The advantage of higher education in America is the flexibility. Majoring in one thing doesn't mean you're stuck doing that thing for your entire career. I would think most colleges are very flexible in allowing students to explore outside their major and take electives that interest them. As mentioned already, theater can be a minor or a second major to a more practical primary major.
|
|
crabbymelt
ALF
I'm going to kick the living POOP out of him.
Posts: 1,047
|
Post by crabbymelt on Aug 12, 2015 21:46:40 GMT -5
There's a solution to this, and it will suck. Go part time. There's no law that says you have to be full time and finish in four years- in fact, most people can't nowadays. Part time will- while preventing you from getting some scholarships- will allow you to have money in your pocket, however small an amount, and not have to worry about balancing school and a job, which is how a lot of your colleagues will flunk out.
Based on your academic interests, I will...gently suggest you consider making them a minor while studying for a trade or vocation. Where a lot of people say it's not worth it (for acting), is that you go to school for it when you really don't have to and end up working the same jobs you're trying to avoid to pay for it. A minor lets you indulge while keeping some perspective. It's not giving up on your dream, it's being prepared. Most actors have degrees in things other than acting anyway. As for gender studies, that is a helper concentration to another major. It's fun and interesting. It also marginalizes you against employment. I was told not to put my involvement in Women's Studies club by several other people, because it "paints" you as feminazi or a fluffy treehugger, however wrong that may be, and it's hard enough to get a job as it is.
|
|
|
Post by Red Impact on Aug 12, 2015 22:16:43 GMT -5
I know what the advisor said sounds really good, but your parents definitely have a point about practicality. While it would be nice if everyone in the world was passionate about their job, that's not reality and you don't have to love your job. One of a college advisors main goals is to keep money in the university, whereas one of people's main goals in college is to prepare for the futre, and you dont' want to be out five years from now and applying for the same jobs as gender studies students are because they have the barebones requirements of requiring a degree. You can have any interest and pursue any extra-cirricular's you want, but you also want to not regret your choice of major because of a hippy guidance counselor who already has a fairly cushy college job.
As for the money situation, have you looked at needs-based scholarships and grants? There are a lot of them out there and they can take hte sting out of the bill. You should also look at loan forgiveness programs, they're tied to a particular company. The downside is you have to sign a contract to work for them for a while, but the good part is that you have not only job security, but loans that are taken care of.
|
|
|
Post by basicdugganomix on Aug 12, 2015 22:28:48 GMT -5
People mock trade school, but it is legit. It is cheaper and if you get certified from an rop program places will hire you straight away.
I suggest looking at your local rop and looking at trade school
It's what i did and i have no college degree, but am bringing in money
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Aug 12, 2015 22:53:07 GMT -5
You know what, I really wish someone had told me this long ago:
Don't listen to your parents. All they're doing is being negative. You will always have that around you, because people are scared and put all their fears into you. Believe in yourself and do what you wanna do, and if it doesn't work out, deal with the consequences.
As for the loans, sure, John Oliver is right. But you know what? If you're in a career you like and make enough money to live on, who really cares if the government ends up making money off your loan interest? Don't worry about that stuff, just take the loans and pay them back. Your career is a huge part of your life, it's a worthwile thing to invest in.
|
|
suave
Dennis Stamp
"I only got on my knees for God and maybe to lick a girl's pussy" -Teddy Hart
Posts: 4,207
|
Post by suave on Aug 12, 2015 23:08:53 GMT -5
Dude, just become a prostitute. It's the only way.
|
|
|
Post by basicdugganomix on Aug 12, 2015 23:10:51 GMT -5
People need to stop choosing wasteful degrees like philosophy or english unless they plan on teaching those classes
You got so much debt in this country
I did community college got all the pre-med stuff done all the while i got certified as a pharmacy technician. I didn't spend much for the classes. But i was working. Eventually a job opened up for 50k a year. Now i am making 60k after 10 years working.
But i live in los angeles. So it works for me. The reason a lot of people fail or drop out is waisting their time. I have certifications thanks to my job that i did for free that promoted me quickly.
But here's what college gets painted as "right of passage" in other countries they treat college the way we americans treat trade schools. Show proficiency and complete the program.
College in the usa is more of a cash grab and money pit unless you have a specific plan to move into a professional career.
Getting a bs in psychology and not going to grad school to get your masters is a waste of money. Go to grad school, get your masters or phd or psiD
I chose not to go to pharm school to not be in debt 250k. My wife is finishing grad school in october. So she is fielding offers for a paid intermship. We are set pretty much.
But kids need to know going to a junior college or community college before university/state college and getting all your pre-reqs completed at 3/4 the costs just makes more sense.
Find a job. Go to trade school to get a job. Just for the sake of or economy and the future
I had this convo with my little cousins and 3 of them joined military and the other went on to grad school in nyc
We need less "i have no clue what to do so i'll waste my parent's money" and more "i will work and maybe i can think of what i want to do"
High school does a shitty job preparing kids for adulthood
|
|
|
Post by Danimal on Aug 13, 2015 0:11:45 GMT -5
Agree with the earlier note about which type of loan you get. If you stick to subsidized you won't be in too bad of shape. Of course you do want to minimize the amount you take-out.
As far as a major goes if you are going to spend good money on an education then pick a major that will pay you back. A theater minor is fine, a major is just asking for trouble unless you can find a teaching job as a fallback. You can learn about what interests you on your own without spending a ton. Unless you come from a rich family college costs too damn much not to be practical about it.
Agree with the earlier mentions of trade-schools and the military. Learning a trade is underrated. Doesn't take that long, doesn't take a ton of money, and you are likely to find solid-paying work. The military can help a ton in terms of paying for school. I was in the national guard myself.
Accept that life won't come to you on your terms and sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. You might find a part-time job that you like and pays well enough to help get you through school but you may well have to just toughen-up and take the best job you can find whether it's rewarding emotionally or not. It is just a means to an end. When you get to where you want to be you'll be happy you made the sacrifice and you'll have become a stronger person.
|
|
lodirulz
Hank Scorpio
Live as the color red in a world of black and white.
Posts: 6,412
|
Post by lodirulz on Aug 17, 2015 9:46:20 GMT -5
Alright, after days of careful closed door, open door, and door open just a crack discussion, I've been presented with three options from my parents, and I have to make a decision by tomorrow at the absolute latest. And I'll be honest, I'm being selfish, because I don't like any of the three options. That isn't right of me, but still, I'll present you with the three options, and see what you think is best:
1. They said that there is one way that I can go to college next month and be able to afford it, but they also said that it's THE ONLY WAY that I can go to to college next month..... drop two of my classes and go to to college with just one class. Doing it that way would only cost about $500 a semester. Which I wouldn't like because it would only be one class, and I feel like I wouldn't be able to enjoy college as much that way.
2. They said that I can skip the fall semester, get a part time job, and since my dad is getting pretty close to getting another job, the three of us can work together to get enough money for me to start in January. Which I wouldn't like because I want to start college next month, because I've been waiting all summer to get started with it.
3. And finally, they said that I can just forget about college and start looking for a part time job that way. Which I wouldn't like because I'm depressed as it is, walking away from college and not seeing my friends often, that would just make me worse, on top of a "getting by" part time job that I wouldn't enjoy.
But with all that said, I do have to accept that I'm not going to able to start college next month with all three classes that I wanted, and I do need to make a decision. So which path should I take?
|
|