Confessions of a Teen-aged Democrat

[AmandaRuth]

Hello, my name is Miniluvamericahatebush, the daughter of Luvamericahatebush, and this is just a slight ramble of things that have plagued my mind....

I'm in the Seventh Grade, with little to fear but the future. You see, unlike many of my friends who want to go to Hawaii, become a Super Model, or stay in Buckley, I want to become an Author or Journalist. But now, with all he depressing things on the news and on the web, I'm starting to get a little scared.... :cry:

Will I really end up with a minimum wage job?

I don't want to, of course. But being born into a Middle Class Working Family, I don't have a ticket to College, and i want a good education... But no matter what a lot of people say, I have no real reason to get a scholarship. I'm not good a math, and i really don't stay on top of homework. I want to go to college, mainly one on the other side of the world (Oxford.), but I don't have any way too. i mean, I can see my friend Alexander getting a scholarship, but not me. I just feel.... sad and slightly afraid. i know that maybe there's no reason too, but how long is this war going to last? How much more debt must we be put into. I love America, but if things keep going like this, I may pack up my bags and move to England..... or Canada. Sorry for wasting your time, but thank you for reading.

[stellanoir]

1. sweetie,

If you can write this well at your age then keep doing so. You hardly sound like a future minimum wage earner. That's because you're already so motivated.

Please don't fear the future or the affordability of college. I know it can be completely overwhelming and seem to have no hingepoint at all with your ultimate goals. Just persevere and do your absolute best in the present.

If you hone your writing skills, unimaginable opportunities may avail themselves. You don't have to be great at math. If you have a perspective that is inspirational, then people will notice.

I'm in my forties and can't remember a more oppressive time in my history. Some folks thrive during adversity. You sound like you'll be one to do so.

Best of luck to you.

[Melodybe]

2. All will be well, I have two little boys now and we all are doing

everything we can to oust these traitorous fellons.

You aren't wasting anyone's time, that is why this site exists. BTW you are WAY ahead of your years, life for you must be very interesting.

There is a lot you can do, you should check out kids for Kerry, I'm sure that they have plenty of things that you can do to help. With your brains, I have no doubt that you would be a great asset.

Don't let all this stuff get you down, keep your head up and know that we all want your version of the future too.

Take care.

:hug:

[AmandaRuth]

3. Thank you very much....

It is very overwhelming to me.... *Bows and is grateful for kind words.*

[Blue-Jay]

4. You forgot to ask me if I wanted fries.

Seriously, though...

It's heartening to know that, at your age, you're so concerned with what's going on around you. Continue to excel in your classes and if you want to be a writer, NEVER STOP WRITING! Nobody ever became good at anything without practicing. Write about everything. Write when you don't want to write.

Don't fear. There are jobs out there for the dedicated.

Make sure to take some time off to be a kid, too.

[Nikia]

5. Do well in high school

Middle school grades don't matter, but try to develop good study habits now and try to get a better handle on math. If you are talented at writing, you may have a chance at scholarships in that way. Often essays are a factor in competitive scholarships so you may have an advantage there if you excel at writing as well as scholarships based entirely on writing.
I don't know about going to college in England. I have a friend, who I've lost touch with, going to college at Oxford right now. Her father was originally British though and finances aren't as big of a concern for them. I think that the Bachelor's degree in England is a 3 year degree but I am not positive.
If you decide not to go to a Bachelor's degree granting institution, be sure to get a certificate or associates degree in some marketable skill in your area or the area where you want to live. Some skills are always marketable, like medical field areas. Some skills are suited to certain types of industries which may or may not be in your area.
I am scared for America's future too. September 11 and the aftermath really woke me up to the fact that we might not have a normal, guarenteed future in America. We can only hope and do everything we can so that Bush leaves office after completing his current term.

[SemiCharmedQuark]

6. Don't worry about college

Thankg God, there is always a way. There are loans out there, and yes they do try and screw you, but they're there. It's absolutely true that Bush and his thugs are trying to to keep the middle and working class down, but screw him! Conservatives didn't want to give women the vote and women got it. They didn't want to free the slaves, but they were free. They didn't want to push forward civil rights, but they're in place (if not always upheld). They might win the battle, but they will not win the war because we have wonderful people like yourself and everyone here on DU who will fight to the death against them. You just keep right on writing and if it comes to it when you're in college, get loans. People pay them off a little a time but they get paid. And in the end, you can't put a price on your dreams.

P.S. There are TONS of scholarships that have nothing to do with grades. Heck there's a "Best buy scholarship" for people who live within a few miles of Best Buy. There's a leather working scholarship. Scholarships for kids of parents who work in this or that. Scholarships for kids who intend to study..whatever. There's even a scholarship for tall people! They're not big, but get enough of them and they'll help.

[bigwillq]

7. Hello

Don't worry. Hard work does pay off. Just keep working hard in the subjects you like and believe me, there is a college for you.

I'm from a middle-class family and I also didn't have a ticket to college but I was able to get my B.A. in communications with a minor in journalism and I'm doing just fine.

I'm a sports writer for a daily newspaper here in Connecticut.

Yes, the money isn't great but I do have a wonderful benefits package with a 401-K plan.

I've been at this job for over two years and it's a great start.

Again, hard work is the ticket. Get involved in your field of study. There are numerous internship positions available. At my newspaper, we have h.s. kids as young as 14-15 helping us out. You might be a little young at this time for that but enjoy your youth. It goes by way to fast. Try to have a little fun before you get all stressed out with "adult" problems.



Plus, when Kerry-Edwards are elected, I think our economy will approve and they have a wonderful education package that they will hopefully get passed.