$48,000 in Student Loan Debt

It's so easy to forget to tally up the tuition bills when you have loans. Repayment is a thing far off in the future. Three years and $36,000 in scholarships later, I'm still facing a huge debt.

So, I spent the last year selling plasma, taking extra classes through Louisiana State University distance learning, and exceeding my work award at school. As a result, I will graduate a year early, saving myself from another $2,000 tuition hike and $15,000 in fees.

It's hard to think that I could scrimp so much on the little things, but forget the bigger expenses. I managed to keep my grocery budget at $15 per week, but I spent $13,000 in tuition. I think the school I attended was really good for me, but the stress I feel at imminent loan repayments is too much.

Now I'm spending my time researching loan payment options. My best bet right now is seeking a deferment, or at the very least, graduated repayment.

Fleas

You may have noticed the curious lack of posts. I, my friends, am in Guatemala.

And I have fleas.

This malady is not so rare as the developed world would have you believe. In fact, twelve out of the sixteen students on this study abroad adventure have had fleas in the past month and a half.

The cure? Common flea powder. Instead of sprinkling it on your trusty canine friend, generously cover all body parts, bedding, and clothes. I'm currently using the ever-popular Fido brand, available at any community store.

My Backpack, My World

Rifling through my backpack for a Women's Theological Perspectives paper earlier today, I came across not one, but two, saucepans. A thick Norton's Anthology of American Literature weighed down the bag mightily, and an extra top rounded out my collection of strange items that I could not possibly go to class without.

Literary Life

In order to procrastinate about a Film Studies paper that I should write, I've decided to post a short book list.

I'm a self-proclaimed book addict, and will while away many hours poring over the latest Jodi Picoult or Sophie Kinsella novel. Hence, anything by these two authors is a sure-fire success. Try one of the following:

Shopaholic and Baby
The Secret Dreamworld of a Shopaholic
Can You Keep a Secret?
The Undomestic Goddess

A few favorites by Jodi Picoult are My Sister's Keeper and Songs of the Humpback Whale. Keeping Faith is also a great book. Dan Brown's works are also great, and I loved Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code.

What are a few of your favorites?

Ferocious Frugality

You know that you're a college student when:
Selling blood products seems like a justifiable way to earn money
Sleep becomes more important than food or showers
Finding a small selection of change becomes a cause for celebration

Desk Toppings

What's on my desk right now:

Spelt noodles from a Natural Foods Expo
Lemert's Social Theory and Criticism
Two Dilbert books from the library
Reference forms for the Peace Corp