As college deadlines closely approach, seniors frantically plan their next four crucial years of school, and worry about the responsibilities and burdens that are dragged along with college— a teenager’s land of opportunity.
November, the busiest month for prospective college freshmen, has created a tense buzz around campus— bombarding seniors’ lives with nervous thoughts and stressful days.
While filling out college applications, fear strikes senior Roy Llamas who is considering applying to Long Beach Community College and later transferring to The University of Arizona, hoping his high school performance has been sufficient.
“Seeing if my grades are good enough or if my essays are what they’re looking for,” Llamas said, “that’s the really scary part for me right now.”
While money is the main concern, Llamas views college as a portal to success.
“It means a better life, higher pay, and a better future,” Llamas said.
Because of steep tuition fees, along with textbooks, school supplies, and optional housing, college is a tremendous investment. While students apply for scholarships, take out loans, and hope for full rides, others are taking initiative to raise the money themselves.
Planning to complete his first two years of general education in community college and finish the remaining two in a university, Andres Marino takes the heavy financial load of higher education into consideration.
“It’s cheaper to get my general education in community college and then get my degree,” Marino said. “I’m going to get a job right after high school because I’m going to be supporting myself.”
Money is one of the most stressful and terrifying factors that students face when enrolling in private schools, Cal State Universities, and community colleges, but outside pressures from family expectations weigh heavily on seniors too.
Applying to California State University Pomona and California State University Fullerton, Bridget Mota is the first in her family to attend college.
“College means I’m on my way to achieving my dreams,” Mota said. “Yeah, I have pressures, my parents didn’t go to college and my dad makes a little bit of money because he doesn’t have a degree. I’m trying to do better, not just for them but myself. Plus, my mom takes a lot of pride in me. She likes to tell her friends and family members, so I already have an image to uphold.”
Applying for college, a grueling process for students, is the first step into the daunting and exciting world of responsibility. Although tuition, rejection, and parental approval stuffs seniors with angst, they latch onto the opportunities that school can provide—a satisfying future and improved life.
