My Parents Support Me Through College Emotionally, Not Financially
Start writing a post
Student Life

My Parents Support Me Through College Emotionally, Not Financially

My parents, like every other set of parents in the world, wanted for me to go to college. So I did.

605
My Parents Support Me Through College Emotionally, Not Financially
Megan Courtney

My parents, like every other set of parents in the world, wanted for me to go to college. They had big dreams for me.

There was just one thing stopping them: money.

Sure, we're an upper-middle-class family, so they should have some money to give me for college, right?

Well, they don't.

When I graduated high school, I received a scholarship that allowed me to complete the first two years of my college education for free, so long as I went to a community college.

Tuition is a big financial burden, so who could pass up free money?

When I was about halfway through community college, I decided to change my major in order to transfer to a four-year university. It all seemed fine and dandy until it came time to figure out how to pay for it.

Of course, I took out student loans, but my parents have a pretty high income, so I didn't get enough money to cover the remaining balance of my tuition. They were having money troubles of their own at the time and I was on my own.

I soon realized that they, like every other stereotypical parent, would not be able to support me financially through college. And that's fine.

I don't drive due to medical reasons, but I often stay at school anyway up to 12 hours a day because I have a job there. It keeps me busy. On the weekends, I have a retail job that pays decent money, but it pays enough to give my school the tuition money they need.

My mom has said numerous times that she wishes that she could help pay for my college, she recognized that it's the parent's responsibility, not the students. I can't tell you how many times she's nearly cried while we talk about it.

My dad tells me all the time how proud he is of me that I'm getting my Bachelor's degree, which is something that neither of my parents has. He tells his co-workers, friends and family every time I do something worth sharing and he's always the first one to brag.

For what it's worth, my parents do help me out sometimes. They'll give me money to cover half of my books or they'll give me money to eat on if my hours were cut and I didn't have enough left over after paying my tuition.

I'm not totally on my own, I'm just in a different situation. But it works. I get by.

I know people whose parents pay their entire tuition, who have taken loans out for them and people who are in the same boat that I'm in. We don't value our education any less than one another. We're all there for the same reason: to learn and get experience in our field.

Money may be one thing that my parents may not be able to provide me while I navigate my way through college, but they have given me all the love and support that they can offer.





Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

49024
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

31155
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

954929
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

180227
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments