Broke Grad Students Are The Next Debt Crisis And It’s Partly The Government’s Fault
If anyone asks me about my time at The University of Texas at Austin, I would respond that it was the best four years of my life. It was a culmination of life experiences that I cherish and take with me for the rest of my life. I received the best education I believe I could possibly receive, met wonderful people, and fell in love with the second best city in the world (sorry Austin, Florence will forever be #1 in my heart).
If anyone asks me about my time at The University of Texas at San Antonio, I would say it's a learning experience. And please don't make the connotation that UTSA is inferior to UT, because it's not. True that UTSA is not the Tier 1 University like UT and does not have certain amenities as UT, but that is not the point. I enjoyed my time at UTSA and wouldn't trade my decision of coming here.
Now, what's the point to this? Read the article at the top.
Okay, you read it?
I have to slightly step off my counselor box for a moment.
I am LUCKY to receive my Bachelor's degree AND Master's degree without one single dime in debt. And do you know why? It's because I have the loving, full support of my family. Okay, how is that any different from any other family when it concerns their child receiving an education. It's because my parents always knew that I was not going to stop at a HS diploma, because they know what is available to people with only a HS diploma.
More background information. My grandparents NEVER received a college level education. The highest level of education that any of my grandparents received was a high school diploma. My maternal grandmother only received an 8th grade education. However, they instilled in their children (my parents, uncles, and aunts) that they WILL receive a college education. There were no ifs, buts, or maybes about that. And that was passed down to the grandchildren, as well. All of my cousins have a bachelor's degree or in the process of obtaining one.
And not one single one of my cousins or relatives are in DEBT. You know why? Let me reiterate...because we had the FULL SUPPORT of our families. They have supported us every single step of the way of our education...since day ONE. Who do you think I called at 3 a.m. when I was going through an academic existential crisis...definitely wasn't Jana (sorry Jana....).
Okay, back on the counselor box.
I understand that not many families are like this and their are certain circumstances in which families can't be financial supportive of their children's college education. I absolutely understand that. And I am not saying that parents that don't financially support their children's pursuit of a college education are horrible parents.
I firmly believe that individuals who want to pursue a college education or more will find a way to do so. I have many friends who have personally funded their college education by themselves and are debt free or have very minimal loans.
Now, on to the article.
Disclaimer, I read this article really fast, but there are somethings that I want to point out.
Quote:
“Most of these degrees are not intuitively worth it. They’re not gateways to the middle class,” says Jason Delisle, the study’s author. “Is a Master of Arts degree really worth $20,000 more than it was in 2004?”
Response:
Job market wise, yes, this may be true. I won't argue with statistics when it comes to this. But "intuitively worth it?" Who are you to define what "worth it" means to a student pursuing a Master's degree? The definition of "worth it" to you may not mean the same to another person. For some people, getting a master's degree is "worth it." I know for a definite fact that I am not going to be BANKING with my Master's degree in Counseling. I will not COME CLOSE to what my mother (who is a nurse) is earning right now ($100,000+) in my lifetime as a counselor. And you know what, I am okay with that. Because my profession is WORTH IT.
Okay, this article places part of the blame on the government. Let me give you two others to blame: the students in the parents. I'll get to the parents later.
Yes, I blame students for part of the whole situation. I'm not saying all, but there are some students who should take responsibility for being in debt. I can only use my experiences because, hey, who else can I use? And I know my experience the best. I did my RESEARCH....yes...RESEARCH when it came to pursuing my degree(s). And I knew my limits...I knew that I probably could not afford out-of-state tuition, unless I wanted to go into head-high debt. I know what my resources and my limits were when it came to my education. Please know that before you going into anything.
Also, be realistic and not be fooled my marketing strategies. If the university says that "98% of our students find jobs after graduation," find out WHERE they are working. Are they working at a place where it conforms to what they got their degree in...or are they working at a fast food place. There is a difference. RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH!!!
Be aware of the job market. Realize I said be "aware of the job market." I don't mean "be aware of the job market and switch to what is in demand." What I mean is that don't be disappointed if you don't jump into your profession right away because it's not in demand. You may have to work somewhere else after you get a master's degree that does not necessarily coincide with what you got your masters in, that is okay...you have bills to pay and must stay afloat. I can't say you will find a job in your field eventually, because I can't predict the future, but don't be a stuck up prick about it and show some humility. You have to start somewhere.
Now parents, HELP YOUR CHILDREN OUT! At this point, I mean fiscally. I am not asking you to foot the tuition bill, or pay for rent, or pay for books...actually I am. I know I may sound demanding, but too many of my friends have lived only off of Ramen and frozen pizzas. If it means that you can pay for their groceries for that month, pay for at one textbook, or give them an extra $20...please, do it. A little financial assistance goes a long way. I know I am stepping out of line on this, but a pat on the back and "you can do it," can only go so far. Mind you, I know parents are more knowledgeable about their children, so, be wise about it. If they're clowning and acting a fool in college...please DO withhold financial assistance.
I know there is a lot of things I don't understand when it comes to financing college because I grew up in a Filipino household with Filipino parents with Filipino values. I'm not saying it's superior, but I know how it easy it can be when you have the backing and full support of families.
I know I don't understand a lot of things about education and loans and obtaining a degree, because I know I had it easy. If I offended people, that was never my attention. I'm just tired of reading this and having people not take some personal responsibility about the situation. I just needed to vent...
Disregard the typos...
Feel free to message me, you know how.
Until next time.
