Having worked in the Financial Aid departments for over 30+years in various states and in a community college in Florida for the past 7 years, this is a story I’ve heard repeated over and over again. Unfortunately, the outlook is kinda bleak. I can tell you from experience, seeking help from the FA office unfortunately, is not going to help as much as you hope. You have the double whammy – unemployed and in economically deprived state. Make that a triple whammy since you’re a student to boot too. BrokeStudent2010 makes some good points re: COA, but at most CC’s they’re really cracking down even when students prove their COA exceeds the money you have received in federal loans. And it takes even longer for the few that even get it.
First and foremost, getting a job should be your #1 priority –not getting a car. Unfortunately, Florida has one of the most depressed job markets around right up there with CA –I worked there too. Sounds like you’re just starting out at school. In parts of FL, it seems unless you speak Spanish, have roots there/are well-connected—you’re ass out when it comes to getting a job unless you’re real lucky. If not my friend, I’m afraid you’re in this situation for the long haul. Since the recession, I’ve had students unemployed for 6 months, 1 year even up to 2 years. To make matters worse, Florida is one of the most corrupt states like CA. Community colleges don’t get the fair share of money they should at all. The Gates Foundation donated millions to CC’s but that help won’t hit schools right away and Florida probably won’t see much of it due to bureaucracy. That’s the harsh reality.
You didn’t mention a few things: Are you a local or a transplant? Are you in a city where speaking Spanish is critical and do you speak Spanish? How much longer do you have in school? Is it a 2yr or 4 yr school? I ask these questions because frankly as a 30-year old you are old enough to have planned better. I’m gonna give it to you straight as I hear these stories all day long and it blows my mind.
It always seems the places with rocky economies usually go hand in hand with lacking a real transit system, leaving financially-strapped folks in even more dire straits when they can’t afford a car. Remember that people. I’ve always advised my kids and students that the best places for work are the Mid-Atlantic States (around D.C.) and the Northeast. Those are historically the most stable economies and have great mass transit to boot. I’ve lived in several states throughout my career and this really holds true. My husband and I are actually relocating to the Northeast in the summer 2011. To be closer to family and economically it just makes more sense.
Do you have family that can help you out? It doesn’t seem like it from the sound of your post. And truthfully, you can never really depend on friends in these types of situations, can you? So it sounds like you’re on your own, I’m afraid. The only way out of this situation is to find a job. You have no business even thinking about getting a car in your current financial state. You’d be destitute before you even know it. It’s going to take you a while to land a job –probably not until 2011. I agree with the previous poster—get on food stamps and consider getting a roommate if you don't already have one. In the meantime, tighten your belt and live way below your means in order to survive.
Good luck!
