A situation

[Maji]

If you are Native American, enrolled or not enrolled, but can prove Native Ancestry...ie-show mom's tribal id and your birth certificate, you can qualify for the Native American tuition waiver. Right now, it is offered at University of Minnesota-Morris, and University of North Dakota in Grand Forks. Forgot to add Durango Colorado at Fort Lewis University.
There are tons of grants and scholarships available for Native students, so, you shouldn't have to work while attending college. Also, should be able to avoid all the loans, you might need to take out some until the scholarship or grant money arrives, but then just pay it back right away.

[**jdazmum**]

Don't think the decision you make will be a wrong one, like First Lady said, it's never too late to go to college. But don't put it off. College is not as stressful as high school, you could go to school in your pajamas, people don't care. They give you a week to do your homework, that's the cool part, so you have plenty of time to work also. Sometimes when both parents work or the other parent has to leave home to work, it's like being a single parent. Stress sometimes takes over, bills start to arrive more and more, but don't give up. There are also plenty of scholarships and grants to apply for. Your local tribal office gives out money for college too. Go to a job/family assistance office and you'll find information on money for college. It takes time to receive one, but don't think it's impossibe. The military pays for college too. That's a real good way to pay for school. Active duty members go to work and don't have to pay for anything while serving their country. If you're married, you'll get paid for that. Have kids? an additional money. Need a place to live, they'll give it to you. If military isn't an option, you really have to think about budgeting. I paid a price for not budgeting, so I always give that advice to alot of young people getting out of high school. I gave up an awesome job to go to school too. I think I have a better chance getting old by being educated. It'll pay off in the long run. Good luck to you, hope the decision you make is right.

[**First Lady**]

you're never too old to go to college....well that's my opinion! LOL

since hs i have been going to college either pt or ft while working full time (sometimes with a second part time job) and to top it off i am a single parent! so if i can do it you can do it! it isn't easy....never said that....but it's def. a challenge! i'm stubborn like that though...just made me want it even more! and it's been soooo good, i'm thinking about starting a master's program this fall!

u can do it....put your back into it! ;)

[CJTurtle]

Thanks you all. My trouble was finding a job that at least pays for my family. I have good gabs in my work history, which is causing some troubles in finding a good job. Most jobs I am looking at required some school, and not like I don't know how to handle the job, because I do have the knowledge just not that piece of paper. It had me in a frustraded position and well I just started school this summer. Budget is tight and my other half wants me to get a job. I look at it like this, I'm getting older and I know if i don't do it now I'll never do it.

[Joe's Dad]

both...work fulltime go to school parttime. you'll eventually get your degree and you're making money at the same time. best of both worlds :)

That's what I did! Paid a price initially. But it's paid off well!!!

[Usdigvhi]

both...work fulltime go to school parttime. you'll eventually get your degree and you're making money at the same time. best of both worlds :)

[middle of the sky]

i looked at going to university as paid training...yeah it was low... but i also worked pt.. i suppose if i ever get my english degree it will be good...want fries with that?

[badmaninc]

I'm sure you all have a time when you don't know which path to take. Would you struggle through school a couple of years to get better in the long run or just go to work and forget about it?

Depends on what you want. I worked for two years out of high school made decent money but kept getting laid off. I went back to school got a degree Criminology and have a good career. Some of my cousins stayed at the place we all worked and the problem is that they make good money, $26-29.00/hr. The thing is they only work 4-5 months of the year. Rest of the time, they are on EI. I was flat broke for 4 1/2 years and when I finally got a job, it only took two years to get out of debt. Plus I have a really good pension plan and can retire in 9 years and I will only be 51.

[Miranda]

Would you struggle through school a couple of years to get better in the long run or just go to work and forget about it?

I went to work right after high school but always regretted not going to college. I have been working at a high school and realize the importance of education. I have decided to go back to school and hopeful earn my BA in Communications. I know it will be a struggle going to school, raising my family and working full-time but I have the support of my husband, family and friends.

[CJTurtle]

I'm sure you all have a time when you don't know which path to take. Would you struggle through school a couple of years to get better in the long run or just go to work and forget about it?