The "Vacation Home"

I am going to be graduating from in May 2011 with a BS (Bachelor of Science) degree. Although I am grateful and excited to end this chapter of my life, things are going to drastically change. One, I am going to have a lot more free time. I have been working full time longer than I care to think about and I am enrolled full time at school. Needless to say, I am busy most of the time! Second, I am going to start to pay off the tragic and unfortunate student loan debt AKA "Vacation Home." Ugh, I am not happy about this. Who is? The thought of sending off checks each month for TEN years make me nauseous.

I was speaking to a co-worker today and we were talking about the above. What I was telling him was how I wish that I would have been more prepared for college on many levels. Being the first of my immediate family to go to college we lacked knowledge on the ways of Higher Ed. To the best of my knowledge my high school did not go above and beyond to help students understand college, student loans, or deciding a major. Obviously, my high school assisted those who met with the education counselors (the few) and those that did not know or realize the benefit of doing so (the many).

What I left out in the opening paragraph is that I graduated high school in 2002. I did take a year and a half off BUT by the time I graduate in May I will have spent around 7 1/2 years in the higher education system. And, my BS degree is in General Studies. Hmmm, what type of career can you get with a BS in GS you ask? The answer is, well, I am not sure. If I would have known how important it was to seriously consider a future career or path, maybe I wouldn't have changed my major 6 times. If I would have known how serious student loans are and the dangers they can cause, maybe I would not get nauseous at the thought of my outstanding debt. If I would have known the importance of getting scholarships and grants, maybe I would have searched for more. If I would have understood the importance of selecting an educational path that you are good at, and interested in, maybe I would have graduated in less years than the standard physician with a degree that is more specialized.

It is my goal to educate as many kids about the importance and dangers that go with higher education. To set the record straight, I do believe in the higher education system and believe that most everyone should go. I am going to stress the importance and understanding of the Higher Ed. process. My message may fall on deaf ears but if I can help a few ambitious but confused youngsters I will be elated.

Do you have a person around you that could use some of the same guidance that I could have used?

If I would have known many of these things before college I would be enjoying graduation a lot more.

Make A Difference!!
CB

The When

When do you know it is right for you to start giving?

A great quote from Lao Tsu, "a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step." The right time for everyone to start giving is NOW! This may not be the right time for you to donate 20% of you income to a charity but it could very well be the right time for you to tutor a child in Math.

There are so many different ways to give, if you have money and no time, you should write a check. If you have no money and plenty free time you should volunteer at a school or the food bank near you. If you are lacking both money and time, you should go above and beyond with opening doors for people, letting cars in front of you during rush hour, and picking up things that others drop while you are around.

I am really glad that this blog is getting comments and people are reading it. It is so important that we work together to make a difference. Now more than ever do we need to work to spread love, joy, and happiness. There are so many Americans that have been impacted by a multitude of things: wildfire, flooding, economy, etc. There are children that are all alone and are awaiting a caring family to help. I have put two links below so you can see some of the children that need you.

http://www.heartgalleryofoklahoma.com/
http://www.adoptuskids.org/

Take the first step, make a difference!!!

CB

The Season

It is time... yes it is of course time for football, but it is getting close to the holiday season. It is the season of cheer, love, and giving. There will be families coming together, over indulging in holiday treats, and spending quality time with each other. My family has an amazing time together; we are all extremely feisty and love to laugh. Everyone has that crazy uncle, aunt, or cousin that says the most off the wall things... that is my entire family. My wife loves decorating the house for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and again for Christmas (multiple trips to the attic each year). The holiday season proves to be a great time each year!

BUT, I also know that there are children that will not go Trick or Treating (not because of religious reasons), eating a lavish Thanksgiving dinner, or open any gifts on Christmas. There will be people sleeping under bridges in the cold weather thinking about the family they once had or wish that they had. There will be families that have nothing because the father has been out of work the last eight months sick from his cancer treatment.

There are so many reasons why people may not be able to have the same holiday cheer that I know my family are fortunate enough to enjoy. That is why my wife and I are preparing early for the holiday season. Inspired by my Granny (this is the first season since she passed), we will be giving out packs that include a new t-shirt, a new pair of undies, and a new pair of socks to homeless folks around the city during Christmas time. We will buy a package of shirts, socks, and underwear here and there from now until Christmas time. If we bought it all at once it would be expensive and it would be easier for me to say "No, I am not spending $230.00." In reality, if I space it out, it is more manageable and easier to swallow.

What are you doing to prepare to give during the holiday season? What can you do to make a difference?

CB