DISCLAIMER:
We are not professionals. We are students looking to help fellow students in their time of need.
Submit questions to askjackandjade [@] gmail.com. Submissions must be less than 200 words. All questions will be posted as anonymous unless specified otherwise.
Dear Jack and Jade,
How can I deal with the stress from financial burden such as tons of loans?
-Worried student
Dear Worried Student,
With the cost of higher education continually rising and federal and state funding decreasing, many students are forced to take out loans, attend cheaper colleges, or just simply give up on college. It’s hard to know that there are people who would love the opportunity to go to college but cannot because of how expensive it is.
If you feel depressed about your loans, let me assure you, you are not alone. An article posted on marketwatch.com noted that the class of 2015 has the most student debt in U.S. history, with an average debt of about $35,000. I can only imagine that this figure will go up as tuition and fees are continually rising and while funding only decreases.
Like yourself, I too have student loans. It is depressing at times just thinking about it and how each day it is gaining interest. However, I try to use this as encouragement at times to remember to keep my grades up and not to waste any time. I am a person who values education, so I try to stay optimistic and tell myself that one day it will be worth it. Also, many suggest that students choose majors that are marketable. After all, you don’t want to find yourself many thousands of dollars in debt after finishing your degree only to find that you can’t get a job that pays well due to an unmarketable major. At the same time, I would encourage you to do something you are passionate about. You do not want to just choose a major simply because that field pays well; if you are not passionate about it and don’t do well, it will all be for nothing.
Sincerely,
Jade
Dear Jack and Jade,
Can long distance relationships (LDRs) really work?
Of course they can! And my guess is that deep down you already know that — and you wrote to the column for reassurance 😉 Successful LDRs all have in common the following characteristics: love, trust, and patience. If you find yourself constantly worrying about your existing LDR, or worrying about entering into one, you should communicate with your partner about what you’re worried about. Couples can make it or break it in a stage like that because it tests how committed each is to one another. To sum it up — YES, they can really work for those who are willing to put effort into maintaining their relationship.
Jack
I agree with Jack that LDRs can work. To add my two cents, I think it depends on you and your partner and what you both want. Are you the type of person who needs their partner there with them or are you ok if they are in another state or even country? It depends on your preferences and how deep your love is. With long distance relationships, you definitely have to have patience and open communication. Communication is especially important if the relationship is going to work. You should definitely thoroughly discuss it with your partner!
Good luck,
Jade
Dear Ask Jack And Jade,
How important is it to take 5 classes per semester? Will I get really far behind if I don’t?
It all depends on when you plan on graduating. Most students aim to graduate within 4 years, which would require 5 classes per semester. But many students work at the same time as going to school, so they can’t take as many classes, or taking 5 classes becomes too stressful. It also depends on your individual financial situation. I would recommend speaking to your adviser about your specific road map to graduation!
Jack
Ask Jack and Jade
February 19, 2016