In order to be successful in today’s cut-throat, fast paced world, a college education is necessary to stand out from your competition. My grandfather paid $500 a semester to go to college in his day, while I'm here paying over 30 times that to educate myself at a state institution. I am lucky that I have two amazing parents who are willing to help me any way that they can possibly. But, coming from a family of four children, all of whom have plans to go to college, it is inevitable that I am going to have to take on some of the monetary burden of my education. If you are fortunate enough to have your college tuition paid for completely by someone other than yourself, there are some things you should know about people who do not have the same luxury.

1. Be aware of your blessing.

I cannot tell you how many people I have encountered that are utterly shocked to hear that I have loans of my own. If you are someone who doesn’t have to pay for your own college, you should never feel guilty, but you should also not be naïve to the fact that not everyone is as fortunate as you are.

2. Just because my parents don’t pay for my full education, doesn’t mean that I am underprivileged.

I grew up in a lovely town in New Jersey, my home is cozy but large enough for six people and a dog, and I always have food on my table. I consider myself to be a very fortunate person, and just because my family isn’t in the position to dish out multiple college tuition checks, doesn’t mean I live a life that much differently than those who can. People from all backgrounds have student loans, don't be so quick to judge their situations.

3. Sometimes the stress is a little too much to handle.

I consider myself to be a rather laid back person, and this quality translates into my attitude about my loans. I accept the fact that if I want an education, I have to make some sacrifices. But, sometimes the reality of these sacrifices are a lot to handle. I am human, and on occasion, jealousy takes over me and I unfortunately lash out on those who are not in the same position as I am. I recognize that it is not fair to resent others who do not have to pay off their loans, but sometimes I just can’t help it.

4. Money is not an awkward subject.

If you are in the situation of paying for your own college, money is probably a subject that is frequently talked about in your home. I am very comfortable talking about money because it is something I grew up hearing about. From this, I have gained an adequate knowledge on how it works and how to discuss it in a tasteful way. If you notice that I frequently talk about how much things cost, it is because I am trained to think that way, and that’s not something I can help.

5. “Fun” isn’t something that is always possible.

Traveling, being able to take low salaried jobs, and blowing off your work to constantly party aren’t things you can always do when you know your years at college are on your own dime. Don’t get me wrong, I have fun at TCNJ and am able to manage school, working, and a social life, but when you know that you can’t graduate and get a crappy, low salaried job and be able to pay your loans every month, the social life becomes slightly less important. So when I am in the library on a Friday night, not always going to a mixer or eating FatShack drunk with my friends, it is because I have a lot riding on how well I do in my classes.

With college tuition rates sky rocketing every year, it is no wonder more and more students are taking on the responsibility of paying for their own education. Most of the people I have met at TCNJ are in a similar position as I am, but for those who are not -- you need to realize how lucky you are, and learn to be respectful to those who are not as fortunate.