Soooooo, went to financial aid today and found that I have officially reached the end of my $31,000 in Stafford Loans. This is after FIVE YEARS of college with a minor in New Media and a major in Studio Art. And the only thing I'll owe them is $380 for the rest of my tuition for next semester.

I don't know quite how I feel...

On the one hand, I'm reeling from the concept of having to pay $31,000 back to the government, but then realizing that a plan for ten years at about $100 a month wouldn't be so frightening. Especially if I can find a minimum wage job. Hell, even a part-time job will allow me to start paying these things back....provided that our economy doesn't fall into complete collapse, of course.

And, honestly, I'm getting college on the cheap. I stayed with my parents, commuted, worked all throughout my five years, and remained very frugal (probably my biggest cost was food - about $25 a week). I know others that are over $100,000 in the hole for a simple liberal arts degree, sooooo....keeping that in mind, perhaps I'm not so bad off...?

Even so, $31,000....ugh...my stomach is clenching in pain at the very concept. I think I might just break out in hives!

All that remains to do now is pass my next semester of classes and prepare for graduation. Here I come, real world!

~ Repsychus ~