Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Does the Journey Stop Here?

When we first started these blogs, I thought it was cool, but I didn't think I would keep it up after this class. Now looking back at it, I might just continue on with my blog posts.
I think I did my best work on, "Got Money? Got College!"  I feel like I chose a side and stuck with it. I'm bad at trying to please everybody and making sure I don't step on any toes when talking about a subject. I feel like this blog post tested me too choose a side and I couldn't stray from what I was saying or cause confusion on what I was trying to say.

Another post I was proud of was "To be or not to be a college student? That is the question" . I got a good title and I was able to flow from there. It was tricky because I had to think of the reasons why I was a college student and see if they were good enough reasons themselves.

My first and most personal post was "Introducing Me" . I didn't think I would open up as much as I did, but I'm glad I did. I've lived my life in a shell forever. It felt good to come to college with a fresh start and be the person I've always wanted to be ... and that's ME.

Monday, October 8, 2012

To be or not to be a College Student? That is the Question

"College dorms alone teaches you respect for other people and their space. It also teaches you patience. A lot of patience," said Mary Clarke when is the question "Is college good enough?"

I think college is good enough for anyone. I have been here a little over a month and I'm learning money management just with trying to watch my flex dollars.


I asked my upper classman friend Jay did he think college was good enough and he said, "College is different than high school. That is all I can say, in general. I know people who barely passed high school, who then did great in college. Likewise, I saw people get all A's in high school, and fail out of college in 2 years. It depends on the college, and more importantly, it depends on you. In college, there is (generally) less emphasis on homework and the day-to-day happenings of class. There, you either pass the test or you do not. The professor does not care if you do your homework; he only cares if you know the material. Attendence is generally not mandatory. You are PAYING for the privilege of attending, so it is assumed you will. If you mess up, unlike high school, you cannot bring in your parents to talk to your teacher and fix your grade. You are an adult, and responsible for your own failings...and successes."


I do agree with Noam Chomsky when he says that "Public education is under attack all over the world," but I believe some people don't go into college with the right mindset so it might be a little harder for them to adjust and stay on task. Mark David Milliron said, "Although we—the educators and technologists—certainly are going to work hard to make education more enjoyable, it will still mean effort on your part. This is not edutainment; it's education."
I believe in success and college for me is just another way of being successful. A college degree can help anyone get closer to being whatever it is they want to be in the workplace. It's a little harder work than grade school and high school, but it's worth the work. And it's not just for young people that come straight out of high school.There are people who are 30+ who go back to school everyday with the same hopes as a younger person, to get an education. "74 percent of graduates from four-year colleges say that their education was “very useful in helping them grow intellectually," according to a Pew Research Survey.
 
Dr. Rich Conway said,"College may be expensive, but the only thing more expensive than getting a college education is not getting one. The income differential empowers you to make choices that enrich your life."

 

Monday, September 24, 2012

Got Money? Got College!

College is a wonderful experience! But is it for everyone? What about the financially unstable?

Public schools are still pushing that everyone must get a college degree, but are they considering the times? 

Student financial aid expert Mark Kantrowitz reported that theamount of money Americans owe on student loans recently exceeded the nation'scredit card debt. Before you pull out your calculator, let me just tell youthat is A LOT of money! 


This came from college sophomore Alex:

 “I would honestly pay any amount to keep going to college because I want to do science research and I love to learn. I can't afford college, so I’m taking whatever the government gives me, but even if I had to take out loans all four years and pay them all back plus interest, that’s worth it to me. My parents moved us to this country when I was three and I look back at my family left in Bulgaria and they just don’t have the standard of living we get in this country or the opportunities.”
Even though in school for the Right reasons, going broke Get an education makes no senseI do believe in everyone getting an education, but I do think they should do it when they are financially able to and know for sure they can back back the loans in a reasonable amount of time.
                                                                                                                                                       

In 2007, Jason Yoder committed suicide after the burden unbearable weight of loan cost. His mom had to deal with the burden of  losing a son & school loan debt.
"While she was preparing for Jason's funeral, student debt collectors were still phoning her about the money her son owed. As reporter David Newbart wrote in a 2007 article for Chicago Sun Times, she was gruff when confronted by these calls. "You are part of the reason he took his own life," she told them and then hung up the phone."






Monday, September 10, 2012

Why College?

That's a good question. Why am I here? Is it because a member from my church told me she didn't think I would graduate? Or am I here trying to escape an old relationship I was in? Or is it to get from under my parents roof? Or maybe because I know some people here? What if I know my grandparents are looking down from Heaven and I know they always wanted me to further my education? Or what if I feel  like I need to go since my parents never got the chance?




Even though I love meeting new people and I love to have fun, I just came for an education. Not to find a husband or party or anything else.  My original plan was to go to Xavier or Auburn. My parents were concerned about distance and hurricanes at Xavier and tuition was sky high for Auburn.

I think I came to school for the right reasons. I love being a Gamecock! And I really am having the time of my life!


Friday, September 7, 2012

Introducing Me...

Well God is first in my life. I try and do my best to please him in all I do.






My Family is my Heart. They're also one of the major reasons I came to college. There's my parents, Toni & Eric. Then my two brothers, Dakari & Darian.


Relationship Status:
Single


Social Media:
You can follow me on Twitter https://twitter.com/i/connect and Instagram: erickalashaye

I graduated from Chapel Hill High School in Douglas County and I plan to major in Business Admistration here at Jacksonville State University.


 

Since I've been here I have been hanging out with some friends and working out when I can. I'm so excited about this year and ..............
GO GAMECOCKS!