Alright, most of you probably haven't heard about my adventures trying to get a work study job here on campus. So, here is the short version . . .

Last year, I had a work study job in the library. However, the Business Office had been having problem with some students (in all areas of work, not just the library) not working their full hours (not me, I always had too many) and causing the school to lose money because they had already paid out, or whatever. So to prevent that for this year, all student workers needed to have said monies that they would make up front for the semester. There was no way for me to do this except to take out a loan, which I did. Then I get back to school, and surprise!, I no longer have a job because somehow I am no longer need based. *insert very bad words here*

So, anyways, I tried to get a job last semester, they wouldn't let me, blah blah blah. Now, I've been offered to be the TA (teacher's assistant) for the photography lab (so in other words, a lab tech), which I accepted and have since already started. However, in order to get paid I have to go back through the same people that wouldn't allow me to get a job last semester. So, here are some emails from the past two days . . . tell me what you think . . .

> Carrie,
>
>  I'm the new lab assistant for the Photography lab (basement of DEM)
> and Professor Sconyers said that I could get either credit for it or
> get paid. I would much rather get paid. He thought I was supposed to
> go to the Registrar's Office, but they said I needed to contact you. I
> am e-mailing you the basic l information that you need, and I can come
> by in the morning before my Spanish class (it starts at 12, so anytime
> before that is good for me). Please send me back an e-mail letting me
> know what time to come by and what information you need.
>
> Thanks,
>  Jessica

> Dear Jessica,
>
> I believe that we spoke at the beginning of the year about you doing a
> non-need work study job. You really did not have the room or the need. (Ok, tell me how come a non-need job is based on my needing it?!)
> I
> think that you should take the credit that you were offered this
> semester and see what you are eligible for in the fall.
>
> Sincerely,
> Carrie

Carrie,
       I really need the money. I'm sorry, but I am not understanding how a
non-need work study job has anything to do with my financial aid. If it's a
non-need job, then why is my financial aid, whether I need more or not, even
considered? Also, I already have the job; I was one of only two qualified,
who wanted it,  to get this job. Katie works the lab on Mondays and
Wednesdays; I work it on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I do not need credit, I
need the money. I owe this school roughly $900. Babysitting one day a week
is not going to pay that (I only make about $20 a week, and that has to go
toward gas, snacks, supplies, etc.). Also, I am trying to get on one of the
May Term trips; the one I am after is the trip to Italy, another $3800, plus
I have to bring $500 spending money with me. I also have loans and credit
card bills that need to get paid (credit cards that I used to purchase books
for classes). The reason I prefer this job is because working through the
allows me more flexible hours than if I were to go work at Wal-Mart or the
7-Eleven. With this job, I am more able to focus on my studies, and after
all, that is why I'm in school in the first place.
       I think were things got messed up started toward the end of last
school year. I had heard that the business office wanted the money I would
make "up front." So in order for this to happen, I took out the loan, it's
the only way it would happen. Then, I mistakingly assumed that I'd still
have the job at the library, but no. I was no longer need based. So, in
order to pay this school and for books, I have maxed out my credit cards,
begged and borrowed from family, and have been trying to babysit. And as I
stated before, one day of babysitting, doesn't really help. I have applied
to local areas, Wal-Mart, Lowe's, and a couple other, but none of them could
work with my schedule.
      So, please, tell me what to do.

Jessica

and finally . . .

Dear Jessica,

After meeting with the Dean, we will allow you to have a $500 dollar
non-need job on your financial aid package this semester.  This will give
you about 6 hours a week for the lab. You will need to come down to fill out
your tax forms, your contract, and your time card. You will also have to get
with Pam in the business office to make arrangements for your paycheck. She
will need to know if the money will go to you or your balance. .
As far as your balance, there isn't anything that work study can do for
that, unless you choose to put it towards you account {set that up with Pam}
Your May term trip and spending money will have to be covered by a loan. You
can come down to see Tomlin, our loan coordinator, for help on that.

Sincerely,
Carrie

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Sometimes you have to get rude . . . but at least I got what I wanted! (Well, I would have preferred more money, but $500 is better than nothing.)