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Entry 0001

For many American college students, the words "home for the summer" hold a different meaning than they have in years past. Jobs which were held from one summer to another have been cut, parents aren't as quick to hand out that emergency $50 to go to the mall with, and finding a paid internship is becoming as rare as finding a $20 bill in the supermarket parking lot. This summer, college and high school students are fighting for positions at grocery stores and restaurants. And, surprisingly enough, high school students are winning because they can continue on in the position long after the season changes.

As a recently unemployed college student, I foresee myself sitting around for hours or even days on end. I have no way to constructively contribute and am on edge waiting for the last paycheck from my previously held position which I resigned from with hopes that the economy would bounce back in the fall and I would find a more fulfilling post either on or off campus. On top of that, I didn't apply to return to my internship because I intended to take summer courses at my school, but did not receive the financial aid necessary to follow through with that course of action. Now I'm wishing I hadn't made those decisions because I am in no position to earn or save. I usually work during the summer, save some, spend some, and, after all my bills are paid, I put my refund check money into savings. This year, I am unable to do any of that. The way things are looking right now, I will be going at least a month and a half without any sort of income, but that doesn't mean that my bills will stop coming. I have a credit card which is not getting used, but is accumulating interest. I have a smart phone which is necessary for me to make money, orchestrate organizations and programs which I am in charge of, network and stay in contact in case of emergencies. I have living expenses, such as food throughout the summer and housing a housing deposit to the university which has yet to be paid.

As of right now, my plans are to use this summer to strengthen myself spiritually, intellectually, and physically. Money is not everything, and since fiscal growth may not be in my cards right now, I must do the best I can with what I have right now. In the words of Charles Swindoll, "(t)he only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude." So, though my Facebook status might seem like I am complaining from time to time, or my smile might not be as bright as it could have been were I in a better financial situation, I am still going to try to see the bright side of things every single day. ~ D. Daniels, Jr.

Today is the day; how are you going to act?