Wildcats Story
While doing all my research and using many secondary sources, I realized that the issue of student loans, and the struggle to pay for college is a very prevalent issue that students I surround myself with every day are struggling with. I decided to take matters into my own hands and interview a peer of mine to see how they feel about the topic and to see if they have any personal relation to the issue. My interview subject is named Macey Clark, she is from Arvada, Colorado and came to the U of A seeking a good education and warmer weather.
When I began my interview with ms. Clark, I started off by asking her what her opinion on college is so far, and how she has been enjoying the experience. Clark mentions how she is happy with her major and very fond of the majority of her classes she is currently enrolled in. Clark also mentioned how she feels an extra level of pressure weighing her down because of the financial obligations put on her family when she decided to attend the U of A. This is a statement I was able to personally relate to and I am sure many out of state students attending the U of A feel similar to Clark and I. When considering college choices, the top con on my pros and cons list for the U of A was cost and relative to the price, the lack of scholarship given. I faced many conflicts when it came to affording college. My family is separated but both my mother and father make a large enough income to the extent where I do not receive any financial aid for colleges or from FAFSA. My father has vowed to give me a certain amount of money for college but unfortunately that amount does not cover my bachelor's degree from the U of A. I felt passionate about this school so my mom and I worked out an agreement and we are able to cover the remaining cost.
As for ms. Clark, she was able to receive money from FAFSA. I asked her how her experience is going so far with student loans, given the reputation of high interest rates and the struggle to pay all the money back. “As of right now, the loans are not my priority. As long as the issue of money is on my mind I will not perform as well academically as I am hoping for. I am going to worry about the money once I earn my degree.” Says Clark. I felt like this was a very mature and honest way of answering my question. I agree with Clark’s statement about focusing on academics and trying to not let the pressure of money and loans distract her from her priority.
I left my interview with ms. Clark very pleased. I was hoping to report information received from my interview that was relevant to my topic and would keep my same stance and that is exactly what happened. After conducting my research, primary and secondary, I have come to a conclusion. College is very expensive, yes there are many ways to lower the cost, and some people can afford it without breaking a sweat, but majority of people can not. If I were you, I would try my best to achieve a Bachelors degree from a proficient four year university. I personally think that obtaining a good education, even if that means going into debt, will increase your chances of setting your life up to be successful and happy. I hope you all have enjoyed reading my blogs and I hope I helped answer any unknowns you may have had about United States college costs and student loans.
Clark, Macey. Personal Interview. November 9, 2019










