In a couple of days I’m going to write the first check to begin repaying my undergraduate student loans. You know it’s one of those things you do because you must. This event serves as yet another sign that I’m not in college anymore. Admittedly, I miss it. I feel that way every time I go to write an e-mail versus a text so I can meet up with a friend in a dining hall or somewhere near campus. I feel that way every time someone asks about work or how life after graduation feels. A few times a week I think back to the days where what I thought about was much more simple.

As a student I also didn’t get phone calls or letters asking me to write my lovely institution a check. As an alum I want to drop a note in the mail which says:

“Dear LoCo (soon to be LUM)

I had a great four years at Loyola.

It seems surreal that I graduated just six months ago.

Already, having entered the work world and thus interacting with loads of people I’m beginning to see the difference between what a great education offers and what a not so great education could have meant for me. Thanks for opening my eyes.

While I know that it’s important for alums to give back, I can’t exactly cut you a check now.

I promise that you won’t have to wait until I make six figures, just wait til I hit the high five. As soon as I get there, you’ll get your cut.

In the meantime one way to save money is to stop calling or e-mailing, and if you do I promise to keep my contact information up to date.

Thanks,

C. Nel

LoCo ‘08″

Jokes aside having contemplated a career in education, studied up on a few educational institutions, and had a few interviews I understand the challenges colleges face. Tuition alone never fully funds a student’s education throughout the four years they’re at a school. The cost of an education is going up, and in some cases financial aid is drying up. That’s where college president’s come in. Their job is to not just lead an institution but to raise money which shures up endowments, funds major projects, and makes sure a school can pursue excellence. This recent Baltimore Sun article highlights just that.

Jokes aside Loyola I got you soon. My check as they say is in the mail.

Talk to me remember to comment here or e-mail me at cenelson08 at gmail dot com.

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