College.

As senior year fast approaches, so does the question haunting every student facing their final year in high school-- where do I want to go to college? If only it were that simple. When I was little, it was my parent's alma mater. Now as I get older I realize my own interests and desires, not only where I want to go but where I want to end up. As I get older I also realize the financial realities of the situation. I have two older brothers in college, who for four years now have been draining the money of the household in the name of education. As I approach college doors I notice that almost every school I'm considering is not only out of state but also about 4o grand a year. My dad has already said that financial aid is not an option for me (poor guy doesn't want me to be in debt when I graduate) but he is only willing to pay in state tuition and I have to cover the rest. My question is, how the hell am I supposed to make 28 grand in a year? So many people are telling me 'Just get scholarships!' Dude, I'm a middle class white girl with no athletic abilities and an average GPA. Scholarship options for me aren't exactly the best. Sure, if the admissions office would give me a day to convince them I'm awesome I would get a full ride (most likely...) but that doesn't really happen. My occupational choice isn't really helping my case either. Journalism, writing, anything of the kind is a dying art. As layout creator and reporter for the school paper, the thing I hear the most is "Yeah, I kind of only look at the pictures." Really?! Sometimes I don't know why I bother. I guess it's because when I write, everything starts making sense. If I can put it on paper in a somewhat elegant manner, I can find a way for it to make sense in my mind. I'm determined, and I'm in love with what I want to do. Even if it means I have to do it in state. So as my senior year approaches and everyone is telling me to shoot for the stars, I know I'm going to have to shoot for local ones because I don't really have any other options. For now...