Reply to comment

I picked choosing a college as the hardest challenge I faced when transitioning because I was lucky enough to have three different options for school. Part of what made the choice especially difficult was the difference in scholarships I got from each school – one of the schools I was accepted to was a city college located in New York (my home) and the program I got into meant everything was free.  I was deciding between that school and BMC – where I would still have to pay some tuition and room and board, so finances definitely played a role, but ultimately I chose BMC because I felt that getting away from the city was really important in my growth as a student and I prioritized the different life experience over what I would have to pay. 
I will be leaving BMC without student debt and I don't need to be in the work study program, though I will probably get a job on campus next year, if not next term. I'm extremely lucky to be in this situation. I do realize, though, that many of my friends didn't have the luxury to choose a school despite its financial package and it affects the way I approach my education. I value the fact that I can attend BMC because I know many people probably would have had to pick the school with a free program, even if they prefered BMC, because they couldn't afford to live with student loans or worry about juggling work study and school.