Stress and Support
In many ways, my life has never been better. I have great friends, a job with a company I love, involvement in school and committees, a church I learn from, a comfortable home (soon to be featured in Apartment Therapy) and a strong sense of self.
However, life is rarely free of stress and mine often seems to feature some crisis. School loans are expensive, however with the Sub Prime crisis, they are harder to get and more pricey than ever. I have heard that Sallie Mae loans are up to 17% interest with a high denial rate and many schools not getting any funding at all! My loan is still under review (normally 3 business days, going on 8 and now expected to take an additional 5-10) and school starts in less than 4 weeks! My parents agreed to co-sign, but other than that I am flatly on my own. If I do get denied by Sallie Mae then I am eligible for a "hardship" loan at 10.5% fixed rate that does not cover fees and lodging (about $1500 per quarter) or give me money for books or other expenses, money I relied on last year.
On the other side, I do have great support from friends for other stresses, including where to spend Christmas. My best friend's family has invited me for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day enthusiastically, a great relief to have a warm and welcoming home for the holiday. As I venture into the harsh world of adulthood, it is nice to have friends to soften the blows.
However, life is rarely free of stress and mine often seems to feature some crisis. School loans are expensive, however with the Sub Prime crisis, they are harder to get and more pricey than ever. I have heard that Sallie Mae loans are up to 17% interest with a high denial rate and many schools not getting any funding at all! My loan is still under review (normally 3 business days, going on 8 and now expected to take an additional 5-10) and school starts in less than 4 weeks! My parents agreed to co-sign, but other than that I am flatly on my own. If I do get denied by Sallie Mae then I am eligible for a "hardship" loan at 10.5% fixed rate that does not cover fees and lodging (about $1500 per quarter) or give me money for books or other expenses, money I relied on last year.
On the other side, I do have great support from friends for other stresses, including where to spend Christmas. My best friend's family has invited me for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day enthusiastically, a great relief to have a warm and welcoming home for the holiday. As I venture into the harsh world of adulthood, it is nice to have friends to soften the blows.
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