Things That Makes Me Happy

 When college leaves you feeling stressed and anxious, remember the things that makes you happy.  At Alternet.org, there is a study that shows the ten things that makes people happy.  I have four, but take a look at what science thinks will keep you smiling.

1.  Exercise - speed walking in the morning for 20 minutes relieves the stress of college.  


2.  Blogs - stumbling upon an interesting blog leaves me feeling elated for weeks.


3.  Movies/TV shows - I am currently obsessed with Dexter and I'm a huge Harry Potter fan.


4.  Family-  Thanksgiving was calming and the break I needed to see the people I treasure the most.

No Student Left Behind

 
The train pulled up to the station, its door opened spilling out rush hour commuters. I knew the train was overcrowded, yet I attempted to squeeze in while yelling for others to make space.

I pushed while being pushed upon. Others managed to slide in while I was pushed out of the train.

The train door closed in my face again and I was left on the side with other commuters that couldn't fit. This was the third train I tried to board in the past ten minutes that again had reached its limit.

As I contemplated my train dilemma, I remembered what the financial aide counselor at Adelphi University said about my financial aide funds reaching its limit and that there was no more money left to meet my financial needs.

This is what attending college feels like when you come from a low income household. Having the door closed in your face over and over again, and being left behind because you are not agile or swift to understand the system.

The New York Times reported last summer about the budgets cuts being made on state and federal grants and how it would affect students coming from a low-income family.

College education is becoming more unequal, and as a junior, I feel apprehensive for students coming from low-income households thinking they too can have the college dream.

College is a great experience that everyone should have, yet if it's unequal, what is the sense in even boarding the train?

Living with my Parents...AGAIN

Vanessa Salvador had her future all mapped out after graduating from Adelphi University two years ago.

It did not involve living with her parents again.

"I majored in English and graduated with no job, no apartment, and no money," said 24 year old Salvador. "I am disappointed in myself."

Many graduating seniors at Adelphi feel the pressure of entering the real world with a significant amount of student loan debts, knowing they too must live with their parents in order to survive.

According to 2006 census figures, 46.7 percent of women and 53.7 percent of men ages 18 to 24 live at home, although those numbers include college students living in dorms, reports the Washington Post.

Students like Salvador are unwillingly giving up their independence in order to pay off their debt.

Balancing School and Work

Almost every college student can tell you about the hardships of working part time or full time and attending college. In an uncertain economy many students have no choice but to look for employment, sometimes to their detriment.

Class attendance, sleep deprivation, and falling behind in school work are some of the pitfalls of working while in college.

But some students seem to find a balance. I caught up with Rozalyn Reed, a busy senior taking six classes and working part time, who shared her secrets of earning money while balancing heavy college classes.

Career Minded

In a mad dash to sort out my life and what I want to become after I finish school, I took a trip to the Center for Career Development. Located at Adelphi University, next to Post Hall, the career center seemed formal and dry.

With lukewarm reception from the secretary, I began to chat up what was to be expected of this enclosed center. It was then I was introduced to Tom Ward, Executive Director for the career center, who began explaining what the center does.

Tips on How to Save Money in College

   

                                                                           
1.  Can't afford the books professors are demanding?  Go to Swirlbul library or your local library.  Often times the course required books are sitting pretty on the dusty shelves.

2.  Commuting and can't afford the meal card?  Pack lunches from home and keep a look out for programs going on at Adelphi University that entices students with free food.

3.  Finding the LIRR fare hike taking a toll on your wallet?  Try taking the bus from the Hempstead bus terminal, then transferring on the subway.  For a mere $2.25, you can enter the city.  Sure it might take a half hour longer, but it beats paying $6.50 for a one way trip to Manhattan. 

4.  Wanting that overpriced $250 coat in Macy's but can't even come up with $50, try thrifting.  What's used can always be reused.  Sometime you will find an even better coat for a fraction of the price retail stores offer.  Students can redecorate their dorm room, revamp their closet, and save at a local thrift store.

5.  Wanting your independence but can't afford to pay that monthly phone bill?  There is no shame in asking parents or relatives for a helping hand.  Go on your parents monthly phone plan and limit your talk time.  Or, if their is no one to help, take out a prepaid phone.  You will be surprised at how much you save.

Financial Aide?

The Student Financial Service's line seems unbearably long and oppressing today as I await the five minute service I am surely to receive from the financial advisers behind the desk.  Again I will be told to wait another month, turn in more proof to show that I am unemployed, poor, and in need of financial assistance.

Financial aide means security and perhaps a next semester in college for many students.  Cassandra Pierre-Louis, a sophmore and Business major at Adelphi University said "I am annoyed because I'm not sure I will be able to officially register on time."

Often times, after months of waiting for financial aide, you are still left with a large bill. "I take out 7,500 in loans, the school gives 8,000, and I'm still left with a 5,000 bill," said Pierre-Louis.

The most consistent advice these financial counselors always give is to take out a loan, and if said loan doesn't cover the cost, take out another.

At a time when government money for colleges is on the decline and tuition cost is on the rise, students are left to fend for themselves.