college loans — Readers– Here’s a lesson from experience!!
No question – just a suggestion – people, especially the young – need to SPEND LESS. I see many
photos, especially of the young, at bars, concerts, eating or ordering out, etc. – spending instead of
saving – and then complaining about debt. When I tell some of my young friends that when I was in
college (early 1950’s), girls did not go to bars alone – the usual response is “how boring”. Of course,
back then the only bar I had heard of was Prem’s. I do not understand with all the partying – when
is there time to study?
I was taught to save – from my first part-time job during high school at Woolworth’s on State & Washington in Chicago where my pay was $.45 per hr., later going up to $.65 per hr. when I
worked at Carson’s. My college goal was the U of I – but to save money I enrolled at the Undergraduate Division of the U of I. at Navy Pier – then finishing at the Urbana campus. Since I
continued the part time job at Carson’s until going down state, I was able to pay the tuition, fees,
books and also the cost for the dorm. (Lincoln Ave. Residence) Once arriving in Urbana, while
waiting for a table at a restaurant (no Fast-food places, and food service at the dorm had not started), I complained to the manager and was told they had not been able to hire anyone yet.
I immediately replied, “I’ll work here”. Although I had never before waited on tables, I was hired
and, I actually enjoyed it – especially on sports weekends, when the parents came –and I received good tips!!!
Although I could go on – since I am now 90 – husband & daughter died, son lives 2000 miles
away – I had better end this very lengthy story.
I have your books (which my son also enjoys). and really enjoy and look forward to your weekly
column.
Sincerely, Rosemarie
Terry Says
Thanks, Rosemarie. I’m delighted to publish your post, even though it doesn’t contain a question! It’s a good reminder of how things used to be — when people valued an education, saved and worked to pay for it (instead of borrowing) and managed to make that work. (My first job was in a restaurant one summer between college years; my parents couldnt afford much of an allowance so I worked for extra money, summers and in school part time.) It all worked out for me too, and I remember counting the tips — quarters — that weighed heavy in my pocket!
I think the next generation will learn its lessons about debt the hard way — just as my grandparents learned during the Depression, and passed on those lessons to their younger family members.
