There was a time when most college
students had only their grades
to worry about. Tuition, books and
general living expenses were
expected to be paid by the student’s
parents.
In today’s world, things are
much different.
The cost of living for the average
college student could be described
as oppressive, while the minimum
wage is $7.15 an hour.
This combination causes many
students to have to work more
hours than they can handle.
Ashley Scaccetti, 19, liberal arts
major and aspiring fashion
designer, goes to school full-time
and works at Duck Sauce as a waitress.
She also babysits for her aunt
whenever possible.
Paying for her school, her car
and insurance can be overwhelming,
but she said that her education,
and ultimately opening up
her own boutique, are her priorities.
Many students agree that education
should be a top priority, but
admit that it does take a back seat
to other areas of their life from
time to time.
“It is all about focusing,” said
Jill Kiryluk, 20, education major.
“It is unbelievably difficult to go
to school full time, and then work
full time on top of that. I frequently
have to cut my social life in
order to keep the more important
things in order.”
Kiryluk is one of the luckier students
at Bucks. Her parents help
her out financially.
“Even though [my parents] are
the stressor in my life sometimes,
at the same time they make up for
it by pitching in the money. But I
still work [and] stay up till like
2:30 a.m. with papers and text
books just like everyone else.”
Both Scaccetti and Kiryluk’s
stories are very common at Bucks,
but they, like most of us, are willing
to put in the hard work and long
nights today for a better future
tomorrow.