College can bring on mixed emotions
It’s that time of year again; time to go to school. If you’re heading into post-secondary education for the first time, you are about to embark on a new and exciting adventure. Getting a post-secondary education will also greatly increase your chances of securing future employment.
That said, starting college can bring on mixed emotions. It’s exciting to start preparing yourself for your career and it is normal to be a little nervous about meeting new people or the academic course workload. What I remember about starting school was being stressed about paying my bills and meeting financial obligations. Many of us can agree that post-secondary education is an expensive investment. But take a deep breath; there are many ways to help alleviate some of that worry.
Most of us are familiar with OSAP (Ontario Student Assistance Program) and bank loans, but did you know that many schools offer scholarships and bursaries? These funds are provided by individuals and organizations as ways to help eligible students pay for their education. You could be awarded anywhere from $50 to as much as $3,500 and you won’t have to pay it back! You can even qualify for more than one award each year. I suggest you apply for as many as can because you never know, you could be selected. Check with your financial aid department to see if you are eligible and be sure to pay close attention to submission dates, as they usually come up quickly.
The financial aid department can also tell you if you qualify for the Ontario Work Study Program which is a special program that gives students a chance to work part time on campus. You do not need to be a recipient of OSAP to qualify; you just need to demonstrate a financial need. All it takes is a few minutes to fill out the form. Working on campus is a great way to balance school commitments and a part-time job.
College really is a life-changing experience. You will learn so much about yourself, others and the world. Can you really put a price on that?
Remember the wise words of Benjamin Franklin who said, “An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.” Enjoy this experience.
If you are a Seneca student, a complete list of available scholarships and bursaries is listed in your admissions package, student handbook and online at www.senecac.on.ca/registrar/financialaid. If you want to develop a great resumé to help you secure a part time job on or off campus, visit the Career Services Department. www.senecac.on.ca
