From the editor’s desk
Vanessa Fierstadt

Some of you may have noticed that the school year is going by with the blink of an eye. And as for others, a slow one that quickly needs to end.

As seniors we have a lot of things on our plate, making them almost completely full, and as the stress builds so does the weight on our backs: Books to read, papers to write, assignments to turn in, applications to finish, scholarships to apply for, and the deadlines we cannot afford to miss.

Then it all comes down to one thing that seems to take a lot of our thought and energy — money. For many of us planning to attend a four-year college it is estimated to be $11,338 in state, and about $16,848 out of state according to uwex.edu. In reality many students haven’t really thought about the money they will need to produce in order to attend college. From room and board to books, food, utilities, phone bill (cell phone bill), car payments ... are you prepared? For many reality will hit you hard, unless of course you are prepared.

College life is quite an expense; with all of these amenities at a private college the cost can add up to $30,000 a year. Figuring out how to pay for college could take a lot of planning, and learning about the scholarships available to you will help tremendously. In the past few years we have heard how the cost of education is going through the roof and according to Texas.Inc it’s putting the strain on many kids as well as their families.

According to the College Cost Crisis, the amount of federal aid available in 2003 was nearly $60 billion. Federal financial assistance given to students has risen, and it is estimated that $90 billion alone will available this year to students.

While working and going to school at the same time, you may feel prepared, but how will you feel when you’re really out there? For many of us living in these small mountain communities we feel like fleeing as soon as possible, but many don’t take into consideration what life will be like after their escape.

After the gas prices rose we heard complaints from left and right here at YHS not only from the students but from the staff as well. While working and going to school at the same time, it’s sometimes hard to even afford our gas. Perhaps this is why planning is so important when it comes to our futures. There seems to be lots of stress going around, almost as if it is becoming contagious.

We feel the need to make more money, which for many means getting a job, or finding work that can provide us with enough hours. If, in fact, we find work, it turns out to be that we spend more time there than anywhere else. Some students are dropping out just to make enough, while others barely have time to study or do their homework. This may be routine for many, but as prices raise so does are job effort.

Therefore we need to balance school, work, family, friends all at once without running ourselves dry. How do some of us manage? As for the college issue, do look up scholarships on the Internet; they range from merit, to art capabilities, and even what hand you use to write with. In the long run you will be happy you did, it will save you money and many hours of unwanted stress.

We are living in a time where things won’t be getting any cheaper, which means at the moment we have to persevere, and give it all we’ve got. Graduation isn’t very far away, so be prepared, and if you’re not, you may want to get the ball rolling.