Dang Rice

Well, that didn't take long. I received my financial aid award letter in the mail yesterday, and I spent a lot of time stressing out about what I'm going to do. With scholarships or grants, money from family, and money from my own pocket, it will still cost me about $15,000. I have come across the need to decide to try to save money and change my plans or to take out loans and go with my original plan.

I really want to go to WOU, and loans are a large part of many peoples' lives. I would pay them back over time in the future once I start a career after getting a degree. Sign Language Interpreting is a pretty promising career, if I do say so myself, but let's be honest here—loans suck. On the other hand I have the option to go to the community college for a couple years, save some money, get general eds out of the way...and completely change my plan. Live at home. Not be on my own.

My dad is pushing for one thing, and my mom is pushing for the other. Both have pros and cons. This is very difficult for me, and really I'm just looking for support while I think it through. I told Kent about it yesterday and he came right over. Now I'll tell a wee little story that I find funny in hindsight.

I was very emotional because of stress, hunger, and a headache. I went to make myself a bowl of rice and Joe, Kent and I were tossing grapes around to catch in our mouths. I had just pulled the rice bowl out of the microwave and Joe said "Kaitlin, catch!" and full-on chucked the grape at me straight on. It scared the shit out of me, and I flung the rice all over the floor. I just burst into tears.

Isn't that just plain sad? Ugh. I know things will work out eventually...even if eventually takes years.