|
|
Z HOUSE'S advice on college, PART ONE (help your hard-working kid)Jun 17 '00 (Updated Jan 19 '01) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line Support your child if they're hard working in school, but if they waste your money and their time, make them get a job. (This series of eight reviews is special to me. I was inspired to write these eight reviews because my cousins, Allan and Mela, started their first term as freshmen during Fall of 2000. I remember giving them advice on how to make through college, and then decided to write them into reviews so I could now share them with anyone starting college. Dedicated to my cousins Allan and Mela, freshmen in college. Also dedicated to anyone struggling through college like me. We will make it!) I've been in college for over three years, and I've started my fourth year this past fall term. And the rate I'm going, I should be in college for at least one and a half more years. And considering that Electrical Engineering is a five-year course, that's really not that bad. Anyway, allow me to return to the task at hand; my time in college has given me plenty of experience and wisdom; things I now wish to share with up and coming students and their parents. When I started college three years ago, both my parents decided to give me a $25-a-week allowance for my phone bill and personal expenses while they fully paid my room, board, and tuition (that is, they paid any outstanding balances that was not covered by my financial aid packet). My parents have this one belief: full-time school and part-time work don't mix. They did not want me to get a job because they felt that working would be a major distraction to my academic goals. They wanted me to concentrate solely on my education. The funny part about all this: I wanted to get a part-time job! I felt uneasy taking my parents' money, and I thought that being on my own should obligate me into paying my own way. I never considered how lucky I was for my parents offering me such a precious gift. Well, they gave me a weekly allowance instead. The allowance wasn't very extravagant, but was enough for me to buy some good food. My parents purposely kept my allowance small so I wouldn't spend it recklessly or frivolously. I received my modest allowance via direct deposit from my mother's paycheck into a joint checking account my mother and I opened together at Bank of America (since the only ATM on campus was a BofA ATM). Receiving the money through a direct deposit setup is an extremely efficient and convenient way to get your allowance, especially for students studying away from home. for example: Mom and dad would live in L.A. while your child goes to school in Boston, and they will receive that little portion of your pay check in regular intervals (weekly, biweekly, monthly, however you want it setup) without any problems. Your child would receive his/her allowance hassle free, and the money will already be safely tucked away in his/her bank account. And as an added bonus, having a joint bank account with your child allows you to deposit cash directly into their account; something needed if your child has to pay off any bills pertaining to school immediately or if an emergency arises and he/she needs cash right away. So to all you parents out there, I recommend direct deposit as the easiest way for your child to receive their allowance when away at college. Although numerous Epinions.com members feel that students should live on their own and not crawl back to mommy and daddy for handouts, I don't necessarily believe in that philosophy. I feel that it helps to give your child an allowance because: #1. They don't need to worry about getting a part-time job that will cut into their class and study time. In essence, no job means less stress and more time for your child. This time should then be used for homework and/or studying. When parents are giving their children the cash, all the child has to do is go to class and get good grades. Excuses like "I didn't have enough time to study" will never be an issue because he/she should have enough time. Plus, since your child won't be getting a job, their lifestyle should accommodate a heavier class schedule. #2. You will have greater leverage in advising them in their lives, even if they are far away. If you, as parents, bestow an allowance to your child, and pay for their room, board, and tuition, then you definitely have a right to say something to your child if he/she is not doing well in school. Remind them of the sacrifices you have made in order to ensure his/her education. All your child needs to worry about is to go to class everyday, do all the class and homework, study on a daily basis, and earn some high marks. They should be made to EARN the money you give your child for his/her education by showing you proof that your money is not being wasted. And if your child is getting bad grades, or if all they do is party day and night instead of taking care of business first, then set them straight. Stop them before they become lethargic and treat school as a joke. Stop sending them money and tell them that your money is for an education, and not a case of beer. Tell them to get a job and/or make them move home altogether. Always measure their academic performance by making him/her show you that that report card. If they prove to you that they are doing well, then continue supporting them. Excellence should be rewarded, stupidity and sloth behavior should be punished. I don't understand how students can still get bad grades when they only go to school, have the financial aspect of school taken care of, and not need to work a part-time job. I knew students living in my old dorm that would lounge around with friends twenty-four hours a day. These people would ditch class, never open their books, and cram for an exam the night before they take it. Like my mom says, "You are there to learn, not to socialize." Although I hated hearing my mom quote that line, it is message worth remembering. As parents, always remind your child the hard work and sacrifice you put in day after day, in order to send them to college to get an education. Make your child appreciate how fortunate they are to have loving parents who are willing to give them such a precious gift. Finally, I believe that your child should start to work once he/she has their bearings, and has learned proper time management. Do this once they need to intern, in order to receive the experience needed once they graduate and start to work in the real world. If they intern, then they will still learn necessary skills; unlike working at a fast-food restaurant their third year of college. NEXT, part II (care packages) I am Z HOUSE, and I have spoken. Read my words and trust in them. If you do not trust my words, then never read my works again.  |
| Read all comments (1)|Write your own comment |
|
Ads by Google
|
