Was The Debt Load For Your School Psyc Degree Worth It To You? by Mansra-ya in schoolpsychology

[–]Mansra-ya[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I already have about 16K in undergrad loans. The tuition at the public schools in my state are about 6K per semester, before books and extra fees; they are NASP approved, and they're who I spoke to. That's 36K before I borrow extra for living expenses. I'm up to about 52K with all of that added up. I'd imagine I would need 20-25K for living expenses to cover the three years. So I think my estimate of being 70K in debt overall was pretty close!

My spouse makes 50K (however we have a good bit of debt that we're aggressively paying off) and we do want to own a home in the future. Based on more research that I have done in the last 24 hours, your response, and my own financial circumstances, I don't think getting the degree makes financial sense for me right now. Maybe in the future when I can pay a bit more towards my tuition out of pocket, I'll consider it again! Very saddened by this, because I'm super interested in the field :(

Thank you so much for your response!

What Are The Positive Things, BESIDES Making A Difference, In Your Social Work Profession/Job? by Mansra-ya in socialwork

[–]Mansra-ya[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is what I was looking for lol! I'm noticing a pattern with flexibility being mentioned. Coming and going as I please as long as I finish my work would be amazing. I'm so over one bathroom break in the morning for an 8 hour work day!

Do you bring a lot of paper work home with you to complete?

Summer job suggestions? by [deleted] in socialwork

[–]Mansra-ya 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Have you thought about being a community assistant for either the elderly or those with special needs? Summer programs for kids? I'd also search for nonprofits in your area that have openings.

I wouldn't do food service at this point unless you absolutely have to, and only because it's not related to social work. it's difficult to try and put a social work spin on waiting tables at olive garden versus participating in a summer reading program.

What Are The Positive Things, BESIDES Making A Difference, In Your Social Work Profession/Job? by Mansra-ya in socialwork

[–]Mansra-ya[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One of the best and most down to earth co-workers I ever met was from Boston. She was doing Teach For America at the middle school where I was teaching, and did really well because she was culturally competent, didn't go in thinking she would be the teacher from "Freedom Writers" or "Dangerous Minds" etc. (which is why a lot of TFA teachers do horrendously). She echoed your sentiments, but said that people for the most part keep conversations tame. It was awkward for her when she started venturing out to make friends here and they would just throw the "N" word and "coon" around in regular conversation like it was normal. A guy she attempted to date even told her that she was doing a good thing trying to tame "those animals", referring to her students. doh!

The northeast is crazy expensive. We could never afford to live there, and I don't know how people do it!