The Pigeon Hole

THE METROPOLITAN » JUNE 19, 2008 » A8

insight THE METROPOLITAN

THE PIGEON HOLE

Since 1979

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF James Kruger [email protected] MANAGING EDITOR Andrew Flohr-Spence [email protected] NEWS EDITOR Tara Moberly [email protected] ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR Dominic Graziano [email protected] FEATURES EDITOR Joe Vaccarelli [email protected] ASSISTANT FEATURES EDITOR Debbie Marsh [email protected] MUSIC EDITOR Jeremy Johnson [email protected] ASSISTANT MUSIC EDITOR Julie Vitkovskaya [email protected] SPORTS EDITOR Zac Taylor [email protected] PHOTO EDITOR Cora Kemp [email protected]

Illustrated by FELIX TANNENBAUM » [email protected]

Keeping sanity in a crazy economy Watching or reading the news these days may lead people to believe the economic sky is falling. After the announcement of the collapse of the investment bank Bear Stearns in March, former Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan published his opinion that the U.S. is experiencing the worst financial crisis since World War II, validating for some analysts their fears a recession had arrived. But students on Auraria are more optimistic and are for the most part ignoring the talking heads. Metro student Bronwen Abbattista said although rising gas prices impact her as a commuter student she isn’t worried about paying for school or getting a job in her field of communication design when she graduates. “Personally, I’m not worried about finding a job,” Abbattista said. “I’m doing an internship with a graphic designer who is already established.” UCD senior Rigo Rascon shares Abbattista’s general outlook and believes things could be better, but is also optimistic about his future when he graduates. Rascon said he was laid off during the last economic downturn after 9/11 and things could be worse. “Compared to the economic down-

“Compared to the economic downturn following 9/11 and the subsequent market crash there seems to be more prospects now,” Rascon said.

ROBERT FISHER [email protected] turn following 9/11 and the subsequent market crash there seems to be more prospects now,” Rascon said. Most analysts agree the current negative economic climate started when people all over the country began to default on home loans they couldn’t afford. This highlighted not only questionable practices by the banks, but also raised questions about people’s inability to manage their own personal finances and living beyond their means. So it seemed ironic that the government would issue “stimulus” checks, encouraging people to spend, spend, spend and continue living beyond their means. But again, students on Auraria

are ignoring this bad advice from the U.S. government and using the money to gain interest in savings, pay off debt or repair their cars although every student said they ride the light rail as much as possible. Economic downturns are also usually marked by a constriction on a financial institutions’ ability to lend money. However, Associate Director of Financial Aid Theresa Godinez, said lending limits on government loans for students are actually increasing. Godinez said students should not worry about receiving aid they have been awarded, but does recommend students manage their money. “It is going to become more important that they set up a budget for themselves and know where the money is going,” Godinez said. Godinez said the increase in government loan limits will also help students who apply for additional loans through private lenders. Government loans are locked in at a lower rate

than most private loans, and she suggests students thinking about loans to apply through FAFSA first. Metro student Mike Grigg says he isn’t worried about receiving financial aid but would appreciate any extra boost in aid he could get. Grigg says he has a job now while in school and believes his previous experience in business will allow him to find a job relatively easily. “I’m just trying to get an education that’s why I came back to school,” Grigg said. “I want a degree. I had opportunities, but I couldn’t make it up to that next level because I didn’t have a degree.” Like it or not, financial markets respond and economic climates are set by the emotions and rants of political soothsayers and talking heads. A seemingly absurd arrangement, but a reality that leaves me wondering how heads like Greenspan can act so irresponsibly and why more of them aren’t students at Auraria.

ASSISTANT PHOTO EDITORS Kristi Denke [email protected] Dawn Madura [email protected] PRESENTATION EDITOR Nic Garcia [email protected] COPY EDITORS Austin Corell [email protected] Rob Fisher [email protected] Amanda Hall [email protected] DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Dianne Harrison Miller [email protected] ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT MEDIA Donnita Wong [email protected] ADVISER Jane Hoback The Metropolitan is produced by and for the students of Metropolitan State College of Denver and serves the Auraria Campus. The Metropolitan is supported by advertising revenue and student fees, and is published every Thursday during the academic year and monthly during the summer semester. The Metropolitan is distributed to all campus buildings. No person may take more than one copy of each edition of The Metropolitan without prior written permission. Please direct any questions, comments, complaints or compliments to Metro Board of Publications c/o The Metropolitan. Opinions expressed within do not necessarily reflect those of Metropolitan State College of Denver or its advertisers. Deadline for calendar items is 5 p.m. Thursday. Deadline for press releases is 10 a.m. Monday. Display advertising deadline is 3 p.m. Thursday. Classified advertising is 5 p.m. Thursday.

Tivoli Student Union, Room 313. P.O. Box 173362, Campus Box 57, Denver, CO 80217-3362.