"TEEN LEARNS FROM CREDIT MISTAKES OF OTHERS"

Jenna Jakowatz is a high school senior in Southern California and reveals to us that she is already beginning to feel the burden of finances even though she is just 17 [you can hear her full story at http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=101082178]. I have to say that as a senior myself, going off to college has made me more aware of our financial crisis. I have to think about how I can help my parents pay for the pricey private college I will be attending next fall. Unfortunately, our bank used part of my college savings and lost them in the tumbling market, and I am feeling the heat now more than ever [for my complete story visit MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY...MONAAAAY!!!Personal Narrative]. The economic crisis that surrounds my family is evident more than ever, not only because of my family's losses, but also because of my job. My boss is stressed and irritable, and has hired less people. Those that were left with a job, like myself, are constantly overwhelmed with work whereas in the past we were not because there were more people available to pick up the slack. All I can say is that I hope our economy will soon become more stable, Obama will do his job, and keep his promises.