By Karlesha Hewitt & Dana LeMarbre
Question: How do I tell my parents that the major they want me to do isn’t the one for me?
Answer: Who is going to college, you or your parents? Of course we all know that parents are the ones shelling out the money to pay for college. However, when they sent you on this journey they were acknowledging that it was time to cut the cord.
It is passion that drives a student, and their effort. You may fail if you try to fulfill some major you do not care about. I’m sure mom and dad don’t want to pay for you to drop out, or fail. Face the fact that you want something different for yourself. If you are unsure what that is, seek out what you’re good at, but also let your fate find you.
Talk to your parents. If that isn’t easy, get a friend or sibling for support. When you build the courage to confront your parents, be sure to offer up the reasons you feel the change is the right thing to do. If you see yourself paying back the loans after you graduate, remind them that their payments toward your education are only loans. We can’t tell you what to say, we can only get straight to the Point. Find the words within yourself; you can do this!
Question: What do I do if I have a job interview, but I have no means of transportation? Should I cancel the interview altogether, or say something to the interviewer after I get the job?
Answer: Be sure to keep the job local until you can afford a car. Check public transportation for schedules and routes. It’s affordable and reliable. Find a friend on campus that has a bike and is willing to let you borrow it. Riding a bike or walking is a great way to stay in shape and contribute to the longevity of the planet, but get the job first. Once you have started, maybe you’ll find someone at work that is willing to help you out with a ride until you get on your feet, but get the job first.
Most applications will ask if you have reliable transportation. You can answer yes to that one because public transportation is reliable and so is the bike you borrowed from your roommate. Employers don’t usually ask specifics about how you will get to work, because they assume that you can.
If for some reason you feel comfortable enough during the interview that the job is yours, and the subject of not having a car comes up … It is possible, but unlikely that he or she will be sympathetic or understanding to your circumstances. Give yourself a challenge. Get your butt to work. You’ll feel better about your paycheck and yourself.