Not Poor, But Far From Rich
By Staff
Nathan Strickland
Columnist
My family has always been just over the amount you need for government funding.
My college years were fun and educational, but cost me a bundle. I am still currently paying my student loan and probably will continue to pay for it until I am 40 years old.
My mom and dad’s income together just pushed over the limit to receive federal help from a pell grant and I wasn’t motivated enough to go after scholarships. So I got stuck having to pay for an education that has gotten me to a job that I enjoy doing, but do not make “enough” however much that may be.
Let’s face it; people who go to school to become journalists are not looking to make millions. Most journalists do it because writing and getting to know people around the community is something they really enjoy doing.
I guess what I’m really trying to say is what about the hard working middle class that makes just enough not to be poor, but is far away from being rich. I know everyone needs a little help in some form or fashion, but I have been just over the mark my whole life. Now that I have a wife and a little bundle of joy on the way in April, I understand the hardships that my family went through.
Before I got this job, I worked at Wal-Mart for four years as a Meat Department Manager. My wife and I found out we were expecting while I was still there and fortunately, we got on Medicaid because of our total incomes. We were $57 under the line to be on Medicaid.
Now that I have this job, I figure the next time we go to apply for the help we will be just barely over the line, which will make hundreds of dollars difference for us in the long run. So I ask again, what about the hard working middle class that just falls over the line?
Where there’s a will there’s a way and I’m not backing down. I can’t wait for my daughter to arrive. Maybe she will be the kick I need to work my way up in this company and be able to afford nice things for her and my wife.
When you are at the bottom the only thing you can do is look up. I’m still looking and hoping affordability will come my way. There I’ve said my peace. Until next time Later Dayz…
