This is a new weekly series post that I'll be calling "Listen and Read Friday" - where I will take the liberty of posting any song I would like (as if that's not already the case) and writing about any subject I would like. The idea is to make your Friday nice with a hand-picked song and a good story. You like?
Listen: "Weekend" by Dr. Dog (from 2007's We All Belong)
Read: OMG You Guys, Shocking Reports Straight From Science
An unbelievable study has returned the most amazing, unexpected results. ABC News, what would I have done if I had not read this article?
No, don't read it yourself. This news is so big and shocking that you might want to hear it from me, your pal, instead of a faceless news institution.
Word on the street is that "the most comprehensive annual survey of full-time college students at four-year colleges" has stumbled upon the disturbing fact (by the pure grace of God, I'm sure) that there is a trend of declining emotional health among college freshmen. The study shows that this decline is mostly financially-centered. I'm really grateful for this study, because I didn't know that money was becoming such a problem for college students. Now, I've got $16,000 of student loans to pay off, but you know what? Reading my DirectLoans statement is always a source of peace for me. I had no idea student loans could bring out stress or depression in students. When my student loan statement comes in the mail each month, I like to draw a hot bubble bath, light some candles, and soak in the dim light and soapy water while I read about how much money I owe. This is the part of the month I look most forward to, and it's just hard to imagine somebody not enjoying finding out the depth of their debts!
So, you can see how I might be surprised and a little bit thrown off by these reports. People are getting really sad about how expensive college is. I don't know why. I know that in my college experience, I felt like I wasn't paying enough money for the things I was getting in return: the understanding professors*, the safe facilities**, the amicable classmates***, and the easily-accessible****, cheap***** parking.
I know Arizona State is an extremely prestigious school, so maybe I've been spoiled. I feel like I relate more to the mothers of these depressed/stressed college freshmen, one of which said, "All I can remember worrying about in college was my class work and when it was due, nothing more. I don't think anyone really worried about getting a job after they graduated." Preach on, sister!
So, to you college freshmen who are getting sad about silly things like having absolutely no money left to pursue your dreams -
"Weekend is coming soon, it's time to get yourself up off the floor
Well, let's grab a case of lager and some old beat up shoes,
Head down to the river and strap on a canoe."
*except for most of them
**please overlook the assaults and shootings, it's only fair
***and lots of assholes
****a mile away
*****extra $300 per semester
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