Deal Breakers

Attending college can be challenging at times, obstacles present themselves in the most inconvenient times. Even though I am currently in school there have been times where I just don’t feel like I can keep going. One deal breaker that I think many go through is financial difficulties. Even though there is financial aid not everyone qualifies. Most often also as students we are not aware of all the different kinds of financial help the school offers. I think classes are expensive especially if you are a full time student not only are the classes expensive but the material used in class are also. Due to my parents’ income and mine I wasn’t able to receive financial aid. That’s one of the reasons I wouldn’t go to school full time since I had to pay out of pocket. I dreaded attending school because of its cost. Last semester when I got into my math class the teacher told us the materials we needed for class. I was shocked that I had to buy a $130 calculator plus the $100 textbook. In all honesty I was so angry I wanted to just drop the class but I didn’t. I just think it’s ridiculous that I had to pay for something I will never use again. It’s is difficult at times because sometimes you have to put other financial things on hold to get an education.

Another potential deal breaker would be my family’s opinion on me attending school. Like always parents want you to succeed in all but I think cultural ideas seem to be stronger than education. As a Latina family is extremely important. Family can either support your dreams or crush them. Sometimes my mom’s comments discourage me. In my culture girls usually end up married or knocked up by 18. If you are 21 or older without haven’t been in any of those situations is like there’s something wrong with you. If you choose to go to school and say I don’t want to start my own family until I’m done with my career family are confused. Family members make comments like “oh time is ticking”, “no man will want you when you’re old”, and “you don’t want to have kids at an old age”. Comments like these can really get into your head and make you think twice. It’s like family is over everything even more important than an education.

As far as dealing with financial deal breakers the best way to deal with it is to be informed. Visit the financial aid office and to get all the information needed. It would be great if the options for financial aid help were more clear and understandable. For the opinions of family member the only thing is to ignore it. Not everyone is destined to do the same thing in life. I want to better myself so if ever do decide to start my own family I have something great to offer. Like the quote “without sacrifice there’s no victory” says you have to give up something to gain something even better in the long run.