The Barometer Online

Issue date: 5/14/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Barometer Photo File Victoria Thai is a student paying her own way.

For many, college is a chance to broaden one's education in order to receive a somewhat satisfying future. Many college students rely on their parent's income and financial support to carry them through their educational career.

More and more parents are unable to provide financial support for their children in the current economy, and this often times results in students going straight into the work force from high school.

Despite the effects of the economy, however, some students have taken it upon themselves to pay for their education.

Victoria Thai, a senior in general science with a minor in Spanish, is a first generation student (the first in her family to go to a major university) who is paying for her college education on her own. The hours that Thai puts in at the OSU Bookstore and the student loans she receives from the government are crucial, as it helps fund her education and provide financial support for herself.

"It's nice knowing that I'm the first to go to college because I have a huge sense of accomplishment, and knowing that my family is so proud of me is a great feeling. But it also puts a lot of pressure on me because my family has such high expectations," Thai said.

Thai is currently enrolled in 16 credits, puts in about 12 to 20 hours per week at the bookstore and serves as secretary for her sorority, Delta Phi Omega. With this schedule, she has no time for procrastination. With the risk of tuition increases, Thai has had to take on more credits per term in order to graduate on time, further busying her schedule.

"[The economy] affects my education because I feel pressured into finishing college on time so I don't have to continue paying tuition," Thai said. "And because of this, I sometimes have to cram my terms in with a lot of credits, which is never a good thing, especially when you have a difficult course load. And because of the added amount of credits, I'll have less and less hours available to work."

Thai, who plans on attending graduate school for physical therapy after leaving OSU, receives a lot of support from family and friends. Thai's mother worked two jobs to send Thai to private schools from 3rd grade through high school. When she entered college, Victoria Thai decided it was her turn to step up and take the reins.

Continued...

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