January 28, 2022 marked my one year anniversary of paying off my student loans . Reflecting back on choosing to pay off my student loans leaves me with several take a ways that I want to share with you! In September 2020 I decided to become debt free by utilizing the debt snowball method to pay off all my debt. Before this I had struggled to save and really understand basic financial principles. As a first-generation college student, I received a scholarship to attend undergrad for free, but the scholarship did not cover summers. During the summers I took out student loans to cover costs without paying interest rates or how much I was taking out. By the end of undergrad I had amassed a little under $17K. Fast forward to graduate school I received another scholarship that covered my education. At the time I was a teacher in a new very expensive city and I had missed the cutoff to have my paycheck last me throughout the summer. So, I decided to take out a loan for two summers to keep
College can be hard to navigate with many students not knowing what resources to utilize. I remember feeling this way as a first generation college student who faced many barriers. Now being in a doctoral program and working in higher education I’ve learned several things along the way that I often share with students who were just like me.
Figure 1: This is a photo of the thumbnail from my latest YouTube video on "Top 6 College Services You Need!" where I am holding up 6 fingers while looking at the camera. I am in my office wearing a Coral colored shirt.
Let’s take a look at my top six services that every student should know about:
1. TRIO: A federally funded program to help disadvantaged students succeed in college. They provide 1:1 tutoring, purchase students books, and other helpful services.
2. Student Health: Provides little to no cost medical assistance. You can even have medication prescribed, X-rays, & other helpful services.
3. Counseling: We are in a mental health revolution y’all and counseling has now become a priority. This service is typically already paid for through your student fees to ensure that you are being provided with free counseling and other mental health based services.
Figure 2: This is a photo that says TRIO in capital black and red letters.
4. The Food Pantry: Many campuses provide a food pantry or place where students can pick up free food and toiletries.
5. Career Services: You should not leave your university without a resume, interview clothes, or an internship experience. This is the office that handles each of these tasks and more.
6. Student Disability Services: Of course I saved the best for last ! If you have a disability then be sure that you register with this office as soon as you arrive on campus. Many students are surprised that there documentation or accommodation did not magically float to our desks. This will not happen due to the change in laws from high school to college so be sure to advocate for yourself by reaching out!
Figure 3: This is a photo of a food pantry that shows various packaged foods.
Were you aware of these services ? Did I miss any? Drop down in the comments and let me know! Be sure to check out my latest video on the subject and don’t forget to subscribe!
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