You don't have to be business minded to know that college holds a hefty price tag regardless of scholarships. Whether your parents are footing the bill, you have generous scholarships or single-handedly you're paying your way through school, someone somewhere is going to be paying that money, regardless.
As the average price of a private school is ranging between $35,000-$40,000 per year, often times you're leaving with more than just a piece of paper; you're leaving with debt. This is where people often times get caught up in debates and political arguments.
It is on you. No one is forcing you to go to college. No one is forcing debt upon you. It is all up to you to make these choices and how you view these decisions for your future. With private colleges being double or triple the cost of community or state colleges, you have clearly made the choice to attend an expensive school and it is your responsibility to recognize that fact.
I was not born with a silver spoon in my mouth. With that being said I have, however, been very fortunate in many aspects of my life. At the age of 12, I had made my first investment in the stock market, which ended up paying out nearly 300 percent. This gave me an enormous boost in the financial world. From there, I have made other wise financial decisions, which have set me up to be successful now and later in life. "How?" you ask. Through hard work and dedication. Instead of having a party for my 14th birthday, I spent the afternoon dropping off applications to get a job. No one told me to start working, it was through initiative and intuition that this is what would set me up for success. Three weeks later I started my first job and began having an income on a regular basis.
One of the many things I thank my parents for, is that they instilled the importance of saving. Since I got my first paycheck on January 9th, 2010, I have saved at least 50 percent of every dollar earned. Over the past five and a half years of being in the workforce I have saved, invested and accumulated a substantial college fund that wasn't started by a trust fund, but rather my hard work. This is not difficult, but it is a choice and it is a sacrifice in many ways.
Of course as a college student, it is much harder to play catch up as opposed to being ahead of the game. Likewise, it's much easier to point the finger and place blame on others due to your inaction. The argument was once made that "students don't know what they are doing when they sign student loans and how interest works." Again, why is that anyone else's problem? Just because you don't take initiative or do your homework before hand doesn't mean it's "the system that only favors the 1 percent."
You want people to start respecting you? Do You want to be financially stable? Do You want a college education? Then stop making excuses for yourself, pointing the finger at someone else. You are the one who is in control of your education and financial well-being. "If you don't like it change it, if you can't change it change your attitude."
Yes, college comes with a lot of financial responsibility. But just know that you are making an investment in yourself and in your future. It is expensive, but it is not an expense. Your investment in education will only prove to reap a huge return in the grand scheme of financial wellbeing. After all, you have to spend money to make money.
