My parents have always told me that I could go to any college I wanted to, regardless of price and costs. Therefore, I never thought much about the expenses for college. I know a few people who first look at the price tag of a college before considering it. At the time, it seemed unnecessary for me to do so. This year, I truly learned that, regardless of what my parents have told me, I need to pay attention to the cost of college.

My brother, who graduated from Cal State Fullerton a while ago, has explained to me just how competitive college campuses are now. He also told me how it's becoming more and more expensive every year. Textbooks, classes, boarding, and especially programs like study aboard are drowning a lot of students in debt. His solution was to take any 'required' courses (such as language arts and mathematics) at a junior college to save money and then transfer to a four-year-college.

My sister, who will graduate Cal State Fullerton this year, has given me more hope. She admits that college will cost a lot—much more than my parents alone can handle—but that doesn't mean that I should hold back from going straight on to a four-year-college. There are some companies and businesses that will help a college student pay for their schooling so long as they work for them and maintain passing grades.

I imagine it's difficult to manage both work and school at the same time, but it would reduce my college debt and give me work experience. Some schools will not allow a student to work and study at the same time, however, there are usually opportunities to work off debts through work-study opportunities on campus (working in the student store/etc). Either way I am confident that college is in my future; all I can do right now is work and study hard.