Hatrack River Writers Workshop: Schooling...

This is topic Schooling... in forum Grist for the Mill at Hatrack River Writers Workshop.

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Posted by starsin (Member # 4081) on :

So, I'm aware that most of my fellow "hatrackers" are post-graduates, but there's got to be some of you who are still grinding their way through school, or recently just graduated.

I'm your typical college student: broke. Anybody have any good tips for finding and getting scholarships and/or grants? Just wondering...and thanks in advance for any help you may be able to give.

Posted by Natej11 (Member # 8547) on :

Can't help you there, stars. My opinion of schooling after high school is that it's vastly inefficient, pretty much an earned status symbol that means nothing aside from the paper it's written on and how that will be judged in the outside world.

A few years ago I was fond of joking that I was four years into my two year degree. The grades were never a problem, it was more the sense of futility in pursuing something that had no real value. For most jobs it's the training you receive on the job that actually helps you succeed. Or internships and their equivalent. School itself is just a waste of time, and is becoming more and more so as everyone struggles to achieve the status symbol in all its empty glory.

Maybe I'm jaded. God knows I'll never actually manage a real job with my current set of skills. Oh well :/.

Posted by aspirit (Member # 7974) on :

I recently read a sociologist's explanation of the "education bubble" and how it's ready to pop. Rather than jaded, Nate might be more observant than most people.

It seems that many of the grants and scholarships available ten years ago, when they were relevant to me, no longer exist. State funding in particular seems to be dwindling down to nothing as politicians redistribute funds away from all levels of education to support other basic services. Further, banks are more likely to deny loans of all types. Creative methods like advertising online for an investor or fundraising in your community might make as much sense as applying for funding through FAFSA--assuming you're confident that a degree will be worthwhile to you in the long run.

Posted by Pyre Dynasty (Member # 1947) on :

Me, I'm working full time as a custodian at my university. The pay sucks and the hours are terrible but they pay for my classes and I've got good medical.

Posted by MAP (Member # 8631) on :

Starsin, I think most colleges have counselors that can give you information on scholarships and grants. Might want to check that out.

@ Nate. I see where you are coming from, but there are many careers that absolutely require a college degree (not just a piece of paper). I gained valuable knowledge and skills from my college experience that I honestly don't think I could have gotten anywhere else.

IMO, learning is never a waste of time, especailly for a writer.

But I understand that college isn't for everyone and certainly isn't the only path to success.

[This message has been edited by MAP (edited May 31, 2011).]

Posted by philocinemas (Member # 8108) on :

Formal education is like anything else - it can be invaluable or a big waste of time. I have found Hatrackers to be fairly divided about it. I didn't use my degree during my first 5 years after graduating. However, the work I now do requires my degree without exception. I have also found use for many of the other things I studied, such as English. I spent quite a bit of my time as an English major, but ended with something different. I don't know if it has made me a better writer, but I am more knowledgable of grammar for it - not always a good thing.

The biggest problem I have with formal education is that it is often wasted on youth - learning to make a grade is less lasting than learning to improve oneself.

[This message has been edited by philocinemas (edited June 15, 2011).]