A Decline in Jobs Forces a Rise in Middle-aged College Students

College isn't just for the teenagers anymore. With the tanking economy in the past years in the united states it seems that many people who have attended college are now attending again. Jobs are scarce and it seems that the only way to even make a living now days is to go back to school and get a degree. It isn't easy in this life now days to start over and go to school. Many students have children, work part time jobs, and mainly just don't have the money. Financial aid is going up, and to many it is scary to think about paying off student loans for a school they may not even graduate from. Colleges around the country are experiencing a rise in the middle aged men and women attending their schools. There is not just a rise at LBCC but there is also a rise in other part of the country like Texas and Alabama. Parking lots are filled in the fall and also throughout the semesters. Robin McAllister of Alpine, Texas is a student going to Sul Ross State University. She has seen a huge rise in students of all ages attending even large universities. Her mother is also one of the students taking online classes and attending a part time job just to make a better living, find a better job, and raise a family. "I never thought my mother and I would be taking classes at the same time," Says McAllister, "but I guess that is what a tough economy does to people". Around the LBCC campus there are students that also have been to school when they were younger. Linda Milligan of Alabany, has a family and also works at the Benton Habitat For Humanity she attends school full time and is also a transfer student for Oregon State University. The tanking economy and not being able to find a job has brought her back to school. Milligan, "It's tough, but its life." The career counseling office at LBCC has had many opportunities for students to find jobs on and near campus. They help students find jobs that they love and help them better their lives. Carla Raymond from the LBCC career office has seen many times what the recession and state of the economy has done to students that are trying to find jobs. She informs students to attend career fairs. There is a lot of information out there that can help students follow their dreams. Make appointments with career counselors and employment specialists. They can critque your resume and help you succeed in finding a job. "Be persistent," says Raymond "We are in a recession, one of the best things you can do is to join organizations to get to know employers." There are many different websites that you can go to to help with career choices. To find employers who hire people in your field you can go to www.acinet.org/acinet. Its rough now days to find a good job, and to succeed in a career. All of our possible jobs are going overseas and getting transferred to China because its a lot cheaper. Many are struggling and it seems that more and more we are seeing homeless people begging on street corners, and freeway entrances. For some it seems that there is no hope. Everyone can make a difference in their communities and better their own lives. Don't let an economy of doom stop you in your tracks. There are options. At a glance: What: Career Services 33rd Annual Career Fair: Where:Activities Center At Linn Benton Community College (Albany Campus) When: April 14th 10:00 AM- 2:00 PM Who to contact: For more information contact Carla Raymond Email: carla.raymond@linnbenton.edu Phone: 541-917-4788