You Aren’t Looking for Scholarships.
For three years, I have been browsing through scholarship opportunities for Dylan. I know that getting several small scholarships is the only way to pay for college, and I also know that it can be done.
I have printed out scholarship lists, and pages with individual details about specific scholarships for which Dylan is eligible. I’ve left them by his bedroom door, strategically placed them at his place at the dinner table, and directly handed them to him.
My placement of these opportunities in Dylan’s general vicinity were often accompanied by my sage wisdom.
Middle of 9th Grade:
“Dylan, you’re in high school now. I know it seems early, but it’s never too early to start planning for college. You can actually start looking for scholarships already! Here’s a website you can use to see what’s out there. We can’t really afford to pay for your college, so you definitely need to at least apply for scholarships!”
“Okay, I will.”
Fall of 10th Grade:
“Hey Dylan, I have an idea. Why don’t you spend a few minutes looking at this email newsletter? It lists a whole slew of college scholarships. Maybe you can just see what’s out there, so you know how to apply.”
“Okay.”
(five minutes later)
“All of these are for, like, seniors and stuff. I can’t do any of them.”
September of 11th Grade:
“Okay, Dylan, here’s a thought. Just apply for one scholarship every month! If you apply for one scholarship a month, that’s ten scholarships you could get by the end of the year! And you don’t have to spend a ton of time doing it. Just one per month. Here’s a whole pile to get you started.”
“That’s a really good idea, Mom. I can do that.”
(five minutes later)
“They all want essays and stuff. I’ll have to think about what I want to write.”
November of 12th Grade:
“Dylan, here’s the thing. I have been asking you to look for scholarships since you were in eighth grade. I’ve texted you. I’ve forwarded emails to you. I’ve printed out dozens of opportunities and handed them to you. And you still don’t seem to understand. We can’t afford to pay $50,000 a year for college. We need your help, and you aren’t looking for scholarships at all. You certainly haven’t applied for any.”
“You have no idea what I’ve been doing.”
Well, that much is true.
And now, time is up.