What really matters?

[Victoria Olivo]

What really matters?

Everyone is worried about the economy and at the rate it’s dropping, with all the media focus on the economy it's easy for one to get a bit scared. Jessica is an 18 year old student at San Antonio College who has fears along with everyone else, she worries that we're facing a depression and obviously doesn't want to see her friends and family struggle. I sit down with Jessica to eat lunch, as usual, in the SAC cafeteria. She takes a big bite of her turkey sandwich, "Want some?". I nod politely. She's looking quite dressed up for only coming to school, she's wearing a green dress with her hair curled up, but she normal is very fashionable no matter where she's at. She has long black hair with light skin, and a big smile, an obvious girly girl. She’s currently unemployed but her father gives her a monthly allowance.

As we dig in eating off each others plate I casually ask, "So what is your biggest concern with the upcoming election?" She swallows her food, "I don't know, the economy I guess." She takes some fries from my plate. "What about the economy?" I ask, "Well, my mom says we're heading towards a depression and that really scares me, I mean what if when we get older it's a lot harder to find a job and then all of our schooling would be for nothing." She pauses a bit to take a sip out of her drink. "I'm paying all this money to get an education so that I can get a good job and if in the end I just end up wasting money I would be really mad. I could be out having fun going out every night but instead I'm here at SAC studying all the time. School takes up all my time and for it to be for nothing is really depressing to me." “Why do you feel college would be a waste?” She talks fast, “ because if there is a depression there will be no jobs no matter who has gone to school. Not just me, but everyone will have a hard time looking for jobs. I don’t want my family and friends to be affected either.” She looks a little flustered and has got a bit red. She admits she scared herself a bit just talking about it out loud.

As we finish up our lunch and give our hugs good bye, I start walking to my next class and thinking about all the things Jessica had said and all the hard work I put into college, and the money I spent on college. I don't want college to be something I waste my money on it's suppose to be the other way around, it should be an investment. But even more importantly how it would effect the people I love. The economy is looking worst everyday inflation is at a 27-year high while personal incomes are down 1.6% from last month, and the results are twofold: We have less money to spend and we’re spending more for less. These facts seem to scare Americans and it should, Wall Street analyst believes we’re “facing the prospect of a depression and the end of the American Dream.” and I can't even begin to think of the ripple effect it will make on the rest of the world. It looks like if we don't do something about it now America won't be the land of opportunity anymore.

[Jacob]

This is definately a subject that brings worries to people, some scare at the thought. I don't think people understand the fact that you brought up from the Wall Street analyst: "facing the prospect o a depression and the end of the American Dream." Perhaps if Americans can grasp this concept, then and only then will positive changes begin. Good Read.

[Marissa Silva-Garcia]

Jessica has a interesting opinion on the affect of the economy. I never looked at it that way, but it seems very possible if nothing is done to fix the economy. It is sad that we may be having to pay for the consequenses of those people that have participated in getting loans and homes that they simply cannot afford. It is a scary thought to think that it could lead to jobs being hard to find even to those who have the will power and knowledge. Hopefully, the candidate that is chosen for presidency can come up with a plan to rescue us and fix the economys situation

[Justin La Cour]

Thats one thing that ive been wondering a lot lately. What if an education could mean nothing? if the economy goes into a recession there could be a chance that I wouldnt be able to find a job, that greatly concerns me. It was a very interesting approach about the economy but it could be a harsh reality if we go into a depression. It was very interesting to read.

[Bianca Vargas]

Wow! you really made me think. i had never thought about how this would all affect my education. i had never thought about how it would be if there was a depression. I 'm also in school in school, and always on the dverge of a breakdown from all the stress i would not want that to be all for nothing. i would bve mortified to think that everyting i worked for, wait not just me my parents and siblings as well, would be all for nothing. hopefully the next candidate is prepared to improve the economy, and isnt jsut going to sit back and let it happen.

[Jessica]

hey I never thought of what jessica told you! she is right some how... im here studying so hard as well, putting too much effort to school so I can get a good career, but what if the economy goes down and we find ourselves in a depression? and like Jessica said, not having anymore jobs in the future...what if we get to the point where our education means nothing in some more years? what to do? hmm that is really crazy. I would be mad as well like she said, spending all of our time going to college then for nothing. I hope the new president whoever is elected comes out with a good idea to fix the economy that sooner or later is going to affect us even more. We, the young people are not caring enough for the elections, we all think that is for old people but we really have to stop doing whatever we are doing and dedicate time to check out the presidents and take time to go and vote. We need to start thinking about our future caring about this coming elections.

[Mario]

The way Jessica stated her views on the economy were very intriguing and I never looked at it that way. Seeing that my time and money in the end could be a waste if we go into a depression is very scarey. Its already a task going to school and finding a good job and I couldn't imagine how hard it would be if we entered a depression and how it would effect everybody, not only nationally but global. Like you mentioned college is suppose to be a investment not a failure. This is the land of oppurtunity, but who knows for how much longer.

[morgen smart]

I think it is very scary thinking we are heading towards a depression. I feel that if we do hit that point it will be just like she said jobs will be hard to find and it will suck big time. I will be very upset if I have to quit but still pay my school loans and not be ablr to finish. Hopefully it won't be as bad as it was back then and won't last as long if it does happen I pray it won't tho.

[Rachel Bowers]

Reply # 6
I worry about how the economy will be when I finish school, and hope that we will not be in a depression by that time. The economy is bad now ,but it can be changed.Hopefully we will elect the President that will helps pull us out of this situation.

[Claudia Charles]

Peer Response No. 2 by Claudia Charles
Jessica’s point is analytical and reasonable. Some of us are parents, student and full time employees. We decide to come back to school to better ourselves and to provide a better life to our families. Jessica has put this plan into prospective with her comments. Jessica’s idea and considerations about non availability of jobs in the future makes sense. The other comment that really caught my attention was that Jessica is worried about this economy at her young age when really we wish our young community will concentrate in other positive things around them. The concern of the economy is having physiological stress in our society and is unfortunate to think that because of this economy students like her are questioning if education is a smart thing to do at this point.

I personally think that all of us need to do our little piece of work voting. The only way this economy can improve is with a better government that opts to make better financial decisions. I have enjoyed reading your paper, and with all the respect, you have selected a student to give you her opinion. At this point I think is important to start looking at this problem from different angles. We can’t do much but at least we are all well informed.

[Alyssa A Gonzalez]

Now a days talk about our economy worries everyone. People are worried, and yet they don't take the time to educate themselves about what is really going on. The news tells some of the story but to really understand and prepare for what is happening you have to understand how this problem originated and what you can do to keep from become a part of it.

[James A Church]

It seems to me that Jessica's main concern is the fact that she doesnt want her schooling to be a waist in the event of a depression. Jessica, It wont! As a matter of fact, it is extremely crucial that you get an education due to the fact that jobs, in the event of a depression, would be few and far between so they become competitive looking for the most skilled person to hire. Those with out any education will surely be let go and those who do have a further education will compete. Just remember this when think in terms of a depression. First, ensure that you get as debt free as possible. No debt means nothing bad to report on your credit score and more money in your pocket. Second, keep the majority of your assets "Liquid" this means keep your money in an FDIC savings account that is insured up to $250k. If you have a 401k or an Ira...LEAVE IT ALONE. The more people pull out their money from our economy, the quicker, and i mean quicker, we will fall into a depression.

[Brandon Barentine]

The economy is definitely a very unstable thing right now. It seems to be the number one thing on everyone's minds. I would have to say that I disagree with Jessica's opinion on the education being a waste. If the economy were to fall head first into a depression then the educated people would be the people who would be first in line when it came to job interviews. The educated people will be the ones who will help America pull itself out of this horrific slump that we are in. All of the nation's people need to keep getting themselves educated, so that we can keep the economy afloat if such a depression should arise. I hope and pray that the next president can get us headed in the positive direction with our economy.