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I was in this situation. This post plus the grandparent post above it really strike a chord. On one hand, creating a sink or swim environment means I am probabl

I was in this situation. This post plus the grandparent post above it really strike a chord. On one hand, creating a sink or swim environment means I am probably a more resilient person having gone through college with limited family support compared to my peers. On the flip side, I am sure I'd be even more "successful" had I been able to focus more on improving my own skills or grades or academic research than working multiple jobs just to raise cash to pay bills. The above may sound a little like venting, but it's more to stress the point that financially stringent or irresponsible parents, or parents who just don't believe in investing in kids, is a negative drag on the economy and we are under-utilizing young people's intellectual potential by stressing them out over money. Related to the top-level post, I'd be angrier at rich families gaming the system except this is absolutely a whole system that needs re-worked from near-scratch.

TimTheTinker 7y ago
I grew up in a lower-middle-class family, and my parents were only able to support me during college with a monthly $100 check. Not wanting to go into debt, I went to a Cal State school, lived and commuted with roommates, and worked 2 days/week to pay for rent. I paid tuition bills by working full-time during quarter breaks. I also volunteered significantly at church. All to say, my grades and ability to engage fully at school were strongly impacted by my financial situation. I wouldn’t wish my college situation on others. But I have no regrets. For me, it was character-shaping. That’s more important than economic opportunity and success.
- chelmzy 7y ago
  Similar story here. I received no financial aid. Worked full 40 hours including weekends and it really impacted my ability to learn and explore new ideas with peers. Still graduated with about 15K student loans too. The people really getting the short stick are middle class kids who don't qualify for aid and cannot afford it out of pocket.

TimTheTinker 7y ago

I grew up in a lower-middle-class family, and my parents were only able to support me during college with a monthly $100 check. Not wanting to go into debt, I went to a Cal State school, lived and commuted with roommates, and worked 2 days/week to pay for rent. I paid tuition bills by working full-time during quarter breaks. I also volunteered significantly at church. All to say, my grades and ability to engage fully at school were strongly impacted by my financial situation. I wouldn’t wish my college situation on others. But I have no regrets. For me, it was character-shaping. That’s more important than economic opportunity and success.

chelmzy 7y ago
Similar story here. I received no financial aid. Worked full 40 hours including weekends and it really impacted my ability to learn and explore new ideas with peers. Still graduated with about 15K student loans too. The people really getting the short stick are middle class kids who don't qualify for aid and cannot afford it out of pocket.