The Journal of Me: Entry #1

A first person account of my voice

Frustrated. Confused. These are just a few of the many feelings I am experiencing currently. I'm trying to apply for scholarships, grants, and understand financial aid and everything is getting mixed up with what forms to use, when to apply, and where I send the paperwork.

I feel like I have no one to turn to. My parents didn't go to college. My cousins haven't gone. Even my neighbors, if they did go to college, it was in an another country. I try to work the best I can with my teachers and counselors but there seems to be a breach in communication. This is new to me, not to them, and its hard to express all the things I don't know. I feel overwhelmed. Who would have thought it was going to be this tough just to get into college?

More importantly, is where am I going to go to college. Our family obviously can barely help to support me, meaning that I will have to stay in-state in order to pursue my education. I guess it is not so bad, I will be close to family and my friends who are working. But, I wanted a chance to explore, try a completely new experience, and have a chance to define myself. I have three different choices of colleges a large state school, a mid-major university, and a private institution. I really hope I can get into a private school or the big school since they have a large amount of resources for me to use. I'm going to be visiting all three these upcoming weekends. I hope to find one that fits perfectly. I'm not sure what I'm looking for, but I think I will know when I find it!

~Maria

Current Readings and Viewings:

Growing up Latino by Ilan Stavans and Harold Augenbraum

The Motorcycle Diaries