Most Latino students spurn college loans

by , , February 1, 2007

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Educators fear that a tendency to work their way
>through school can hurt them academically.
>
>By Francisco Vara-Orta
>Times Staff Writer
>
>January 31 2007
>
>Luis Fernandez, who will graduate in May from
>Cal State Fullerton, put himself through college
>and has a stack of receipts to prove it. He paid
>for his education, all $12,800 of it, in cash.

The complete article can be viewed at:
>Story
>
>Visit latimes.com at LA Times

Norma Gutierrez' response to this article:

I was born first-generation Chilean-American, and then grew up to be the first female on my father's side to graduate from college. Having the chance to be educated in the United States is something my cousins in Chile only dream of. Here there are opportunities that abound, and one only has to search for them.

However, it is not that way for everyone. If you fit into the categories of low-income citizen, resident or immigrant status can make the challenges of financing college a headache. One is forced to take out loans or pay one's way through. Therefore it is understandable why so many feel college is not an option. So many fall into a financial loop, where they make too much to get financial aid, but not enough to pay that big tuition bill.

My father, a Chilean Immigrant, worked three jobs just to put food on the table. Put it this way: I didn't see him much. But his commitment, his dedication, his strength, helped me to realize that hard work was the only way. He always said, if you are going to do something put in a 100% effort, or don't do it at all.

He opted to take out loans to pay his way through college when I was only a little girl. After all, he had my little sister and I to support. He finally paid his loans off a year before I started college. It may have taken him a while to pay off his debt, but it was virtually painless. We lived just fine in apartments, and made due with what vehicles we had; sure our pockets were tight, but we were well taken care of.

As a teen, I learned quickly the reality of the world and how money literally makes the world go round. So, I knew college would always be something I could do, and I would find a way to finance it. Young and naive I was, I opted for a local college, being that I couldn't fathom leaving the security of my family. So, it was then that I embarked on a long and exhausting journey. Financial Aid never covered my whole tuition; every semester the remaining amount gave me nightmares. How was I going to pay for this? How was I going to pay for my books?

I managed to find a job working 40-hours a week, while attending classes full-time. I soon dropped out. I couldn't handle all the stress of eight o'clock classes, and working 10-hour days Thursday through Sunday. On top of that I fell in love. I wasn't worried about school, as much as I was about becoming an adult, moving out, and paying my own rent. I look back now, and I made it so much harder on myself. No regrets though, cause I learned a lot about life through these decisions. Soon after, I had a beautiful baby girl who inspired me to make some changes in my life.

I returned to college, but this time, studying something I really enjoyed, DESIGN. I searched for every opportunity to get financial aid. Ironically I got more financial aid as a single parent, with a child as a dependent. I got my tuition covered, and books. Given that I chose art and design, I had to invest in a computer and design programs, but this was investing in my future and in my dream of some day owning my own business.

Upon graduating from a two-year college, it was time to move on to a four year. I then had to take out loans and apply for scholarships. Tuition was pretty much covered, but I needed money for living expenses, transportation and day care. I worked on campus gaining valuable experience for the real world.

Today, I am a graduate of SUNY Cortland's New Media Design program. I am now an Adjunct Instructor of Computer Graphics at Tompkins Cortland Community College, and current art directof of the NEOVOX student site. I realized my love for design is within people. I love teaching and mentoring others, as I was mentored by others who inspired me.

It is a sad story to see so many dreams go down the drain, because of money. I know that I have a lifetime to pay my loans off, and make payments, but I only have one life to live, and I will live it following my dreams, and goals.

Next destination: MASTER'S DEGREE? I am now figuring out how to finance that! And the saga continues...

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