I heard that commercial for the first time last week, thinking, you've got to be kidding me!? I admit my dad's parents contributed $1,000 a year in savings bonds from birth to 12 for each of us. It was extremely generous, and at least on my end, greatly appreciated, but NOT expected or asked for. Half the grand kids didn't even use theirs for education, as my grandparents requested, and just blew them as soon as they could get their hands on them--what a waste of money my grandparents worked hard for and had NO obligation to give!
My own education was a struggle because of the screwy financial aid situation in the US. I did very well in highschool, began college courses my junior year, and had some scholarships, as well as the bonds from my grandparents, but that was about all I could get. I was not allowed to stay at my parents' house unless I cowered to verbal and emotional abuse from my mom. (Not to sound like I had a bad childhood; I didn't to any extent, but as I got older, if I didn't meet her unrealistic expectations it was over. We're not talking "don't come home drunk" or "you can't have guys in your room" or "don't miss curfew" we're talking not dressing girly enough, political views, getting a b, gaining weight--anything she thought would bring shame from the Jones'. We've actually reconciled, but at that point, I wanted out, especially since I had to pay rent to stay there anyway.)
At 19 I moved in with my boyfriend (who was asked to leave at 16 because there wasn't room for him) and took on a full time job as well as full time school. I had no credit, and couldn't get a single loan without a cosigner, and grants were a joke. In the US, if you show some responsibilty and use birth control, you're considered a "dependant student" whether you live with your parents or not. There were women at work who worked part time to my full, and had their entire education paid for because they got knocked up, and their educations were "for the chiiiilldreen!" Financial aid advisors informed me my parents should be footing most of the bill, which is a really asinine assuption--they wouldn't have even if I had lived there. Eventually I had to cut down to 3/4 or 1/2 time, depending on what I could pay out of my own pocket. At 23 I earned a degree in math, which I had been working on since I was 16. It's my proudest accomplishment, and I am so thankful for what my grandparents gave me, and the support I had from my boyfriend. (We're taking turns, and he's currently in law school. We plan to get married after we're each satisfied with where our educations stand.)
Don't get me wrong, part of me is happy about how hard I had to work for my education--I truly earned what I have, but it was VERY frustrating. I still don't get why a woman with the almighty sprog was more deserving of an education than me, and who knows how many other hard working people. I'm also appalled at these kids, who chronologically aren't that far from my own age, treating college like a bar, whorehouse, or dayspa, because it's just given to them. Spring break for me meant I only had to work, and could spend some much needed time with the other half. Granted, had I been able to take a vacation, acting like a whore and trying to get alcohol poisoning is not how I'd have liked to spend it, but I can't fathom thinking I was owed a vacation just because I had to study! I also don't understand how these people do so poorly. I worked full time, often more, and still maintained my gpa. I suppose that's part of paying for it yourself though. When it comes out of your own pocket--rather than that of your parents or US taxpayers--it means more.
On the other side, my best friend also did very well in high school, and since she put in her effort, her mother saw fit to fund her education--with some conditions:
1. She paid for what was being earned. If my friend didn't put in the effort, her mom didn't put in the funding.
2. If it wasn't necessary for school, my friend had to start saving her money. This went for clothes, vacations, transportation, etc.
3. If my friend dropped out or failed, she was required by legal contract to pay back every cent her mother put in.
There were others too, but I don't remember them. I think more parents who are paying for school should do something like that. I think the US government needs to rethink who is a dependant student, and who isn't. (Especially in light of the fact that several of the full ride moos DID live at home, and get help from their families.) I also think financial aid should be cut off for anyone who isn't doing their part by maintaining decent grade or making it to class. Nothing pissed me off more than watching these welfare hags complain they were failing because "it's sooooo hard to make it to class when you have a baybeee." Then WHY are you getting money that could be helping someone who genuinely WANTS an education? Especially when it MY money!
Anyway, sorry this ran so long, this is just one matter that really, really boils my blood! To end on a happy note, I'm currently applying to grad schools, and I'm finally old enough to be considered an independant student!