As published in the January 2018 issue of Connections.
Ask Kari: Should I go to college next year or wait until I have more money saved up?
Dear Kari,
I am graduating this year from high school and I picked my college for next year, University of Washington. The problem is my parents have told me that they only have enough money to pay for one year of my schooling. I will be the first person from my family to go to college, but I am scared that I will get my dream of attending college and then lose it. Do you think I should go to college next year or wait until I have all the money saved up a few years from now?--College Dreamer
Dear College Dreamer,
Congratulations on being accepted to a wonderful school. Congratulations on also being the first person in your family to attend college, what a great accomplishment. I recommend that you stay on track to begin school next fall as planned. I also recommend that you make an appointment with the financial aid office at UW and immediately begin to look into extra support from them in organizing your studies at their school; look into scholarships, student employment opportunities on campus, and any subsidized support from UW for college based on your grades and being a first-generation student. You can do this, set your mind to it, then plan, plan, plan, and work, work, work. I wish you absolute success!
–Kari
About Kari:
Kari O’Neill, MSW, LICSW, is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the owner and Clinical Director of Issaquah Highlands Counseling Group (IHCG), which is now Kari O’Neill Counseling.
This column is for entertainment purposes only. If you are in crisis and in need of support please contact the Crisis Clinic at 866-427-4747.