August 2004

August 10, 2004 19:45

Well, another school year is starting. As excited as I am about going into my second year of college, I'm beginning to realize- I'm close to really being on my own.
It's amazing what you'll learn when you take care of everything for yourself. Not just about your own personality, but about the way the world works. My parents decided long ago that I would have to pay for my own education. Naturally, being the broke, jobless student I am, student loans were the only way to go.
The frightening thing is- as one slowly gets further and further into this deep world of music, the more money one has to fish out. At first, of course, you have to get into a school. Then, you have to fill out these nice forms called CSS Profile and FAFSA so the government can tell you how much your family should pay a year. Then- private loans.
I must say that Sallie Mae has been quite good to us. I go to CIM and the tuition this year decided to take a 10% jump up. Most schools have had to do this with our flagging economy, so it wasn't that much of a surprise. That of course meant the amount of money that I have to take out in loans is more than I can even process. My loans are in the vicinity already of 80,000 and rising! There's that nasty little thing called interest on loans- unfortunately my parents have never really had money and all loans charge pretty decent amounts.
Then comes the instrument. I'm currently looking for a new instrument (my first full-sized instrument, I play right now on a 7/8 size). That's even more money to add to my pile of debt that is certainly looking rather tall right now.
I am optimistic about what will happen in the future. I think I'll get a good job in the music industry, hopefully in an orchestra, and that I'll be able to pay it off. Well, I kind of don't have the choice.
It's just amazing how much money it costs to do anything in the industry anymore. Equipment, not just including the violin but strings, bows, music, cases, education costs, costs for competitions and travel--- there's no way to get through it without making a financial plan. I've realized it's possible for anyone to do it that wants to- and sometimes people or groups like Sallie Mae have to help, but it's possible. I guess it's just one more step in growing up, eh?

Archive link

More entries: May 2005 •

August 2004

August 10, 2004 19:45

Subscribe

Laurie's Books