Going to college is a great opportunity to learn about cultures that are not the same as yours (though it is definitely not the only way). In my case, attending a private college and being interspersed with many students from different backgrounds, I was surprised to see how different we all are. Some students need to work the work study job at 20 hours and maybe even another job while attending classes, and others don’t need to work at all. We all have things to deal with in college, but to the students struggling to make the cost work, it adds an extra layer of stress. This is a letter to you students that have a hard time trying to make it by:

First off, you’re doing well. I believe your parents worked hard to put you where you are. And if you did it all on your own, you have something to be proud of, for sure. It’s not easy to make things work on your own when you just recently had to ask permission to leave a room. You should be proud particularly for that scholarship you earned or if you took on loans that are necessary nowadays.

Whether you’re paying out of pocket to save yourself from loans or if you racked up some debt, you’re finding a way to deal with it. And if you’re getting wonderful grades at it, that’s something to be proud of as well. Time management is hard, but it’s something that will help you in the long run. At least, that’s all we can hope. It’s your job to have fun while getting the most accomplished that you can. You can have fun at your work if you find something with your campus that you find interest in.

You are either in a dorm or commuting or going to a community college, and either way, you’re doing the best you can. It saves money to go to community college, but if you chose to go the other route and have some monetary issues, you haven’t made a mistake. You’ve made an investment. One in your education, and one in your future, because you think it matters.

Your major doesn’t matter towards your success; it isn’t going to cause your future to go down the toilet if you have a “useless major.” If you can show persistence and give all of your effort towards your college career, it will most likely prove fruitful.

Lastly, money isn’t everything. I know that this article focuses on it because it is the source of your struggles, but it really isn’t. If you’re having a good time and are doing what you love, you should go for it anyways. People sometimes pay the same amount for a car, as my mom says, and your education has a value that lasts for your entire life, not just 10 years. So, in that case, it may even be more sound.