For as long as I can remember, I have heard about how expensive it is to go to college. The media was full of reports on the rising cost of college or the student debt crisis. My family and teachers always emphasized studying hard so I would receive scholarships. As a college student, I often find myself thinking of how myself and my friends will pay for our education. This happens most often during stressful times of the semester, such as midterm or finals week. During these times, I worry about not doing well enough and losing my scholarships. Over time, my views on this subject have only grown stronger from my experience and that of those around me. I have never heard a convincing argument about how affordable college is. People only differ on how the issue should be dealt with.

            This issue has a great impact on how I live my day to day life. I continue to study hard to keep the scholarships I have and to strengthen my chance of earning others. As of now I do not have a job, but I am strongly considering applying for one. Until then, I find work where I can such as staffing high school quiz bowl tournaments on the weekends. Staffing a tournament usually entails leaving Iowa City before six in the morning, reading questions while keeping score and time for seven or more matches, and then getting home after the dining hall closes. It is a long day and the pay is barely equivalent to minimum wage. This issue helps me to relate to other students. Some of us may be better off than others financially but at the end of the day, the question of how to pay for college and what comes after is one we all share.