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From Kindergarten to
College
College: Making Ends Meet
With Angela Nissel
Author, "The Broke Diaries"
Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2001; Noon EDT
When Angela Nissel found herself struggling financially when in college, instead of sulking, she decided to entertain herself by creating an online journal that chronicled her day-to-day trials and tribulations. Written with humor and intelligence, her "Broke Diary" quickly found an audience as people wrote to Angela to empathize with, console, and laugh with her about her experiences and even share their own. "The Broke Diaries" is the first complete compilation of her experiences.
Nissel was online Tuesday, Aug. 14 at Noon EDT to talk about how to make ends meet in college.
A transcript follows.
Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control
over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.
washingtonpost.com:
Welcome Angela, thanks for joining us today. Could you share with us why you wrote "The Broke Diaries," what inspired the book and what you are trying to communicate to other college students who may be in similar situations?
Angela Nissel: Hi! :-) Thanks for having me! Whew, well, I wrote The Broke Diaries because I was BROKE. I had a really um, CHALLENGING (trying to be nice) boss and after dealing with him and my studies all day, writing about my circumstances became my way to vent (I couldn't afford to go out and dance off my frustration too much). I found out a lot of other students were in the same struggling situation I was by putting the stories online. Eventually, they became so popular, I was approached to do the book.
I'm trying to make people laugh through a time that might not seem so funny. Also, just trying to give some tips that people might not have thought about. Some may be, um, unorthodox. :-)
Arlington, Va.:
What would your advice be for making ends meet in college?
Angela Nissel: 1) Accept the fact that you're probably going to be broke.
2) Salad bars are great for utensils.
3) Know that you really can live off of very little. Many things we think we need (TV, even...I don't have one now, I use one in lobby) we really don't.
4) Make friends with financial aid people. Sometimes niceness will get you loans others don't know about.
Washington, D.C.:
Did your financial situation affect your grades?
Angela Nissel: Yes, because at one point I was working two jobs. Both of my parents' income was used to determine how much $ aid I received, but I received no help from my father. I'd work to pay his share and I'd end up too tired to go to class.
I told my $ aid officer and after a lot of paperwork, they stopped counting his income.
College Park, Md.:
What is your best idea of a Friday night for $5 a person?
This isn't a hypothetical by the way, it's my budget.
Angela Nissel: $5 a person! You know what I do? Play 10cent Bingo at the local church! It's really fun and I usually break even or come out a little ahead!
Punished for ?:
I am a 35-year-old returning to undergrad next year. I've heard that my current income will be looked at to determine the aid I receive, but I won't have ANY of that income when I'm going to school. Why do they look at this number? How do I make it clear I will be relying on loans and savings, not a steady income to live on during school?
Angela Nissel: Make *sure* you talk to someone in financial aid office. A human *in charge*. Eventually, someone will listen. I was in the same situation when I left school and worked for a year. Good luck, I'm sure it will work out.
Washington, D.C.:
Are the stories still available online or only in the book?
Angela Nissel: Hi! There are a few on my Web site, www.thebrokediaries.com, but most are now in the book. Some were too "controversial" to put on my Web site while I was in school. (How my friend figure out how to get textbooks for free...)
Chicago, Ill.:
Hi, Angela! I LOVE the book. I wanted to thank you for recording and publishing your experience with Chexsystems, banks, and "check cashing shacks." I think all of our government representatives should read your book. Have you had any success protesting that action and getting another bank account? Have you gotten involved with any of the class action law suits or petitioning Congress to intervene in this awful system?
Angela Nissel: You know, I never knew how many people suffered the Chexsystems wrath! I still can't open a bank account without a note from my former bank stating that I wasn't purposefully writing fraudulent checks.
Check cashing places are horrible. For so many reasons. So many low-income people don't know they have a choice. I'm not currently involved in any suits...
New Orleans, Va.:
Wow, after reading your book I thought my $$$ troubles were the worst! Did your struggles in college help you or hinder you for the real world?
Angela Nissel: They *helped* me. I actually am really grateful for them. I learned a lot by being broke. How there is a way to get through anything. That really helps me now since I've decided I want to be a writer full-time and have left my job.
Austin, Tex.:
Any advice for saving money on textbooks?
Angela Nissel: :-) Besides the slightly dishonest way in the book, I used to tell my professors when I really didn't have the money. You'd be surprised how many of them have two or three copies around.
Burke, Va.:
I have a couple of pieces of advice for Punished For?, who is going to return to undergrad next year. First of all, don't expect much from the financial aid office. The formulas they use are just not that flexible. If they come up with anything, be pleasantly surprised. They told me to sell my car if I needed $ (the car I used to get myself to work!). Second, start saving now for money to live on next year. Start getting used to living frugally and it won't be as much of a shock next year.
Angela Nissel: Just wanted to pass this one along and add that almost *everything can be changed*. I was finally declared an independent student at 20 when the rules clearly stated that only students over 22 or students with children could NOT count their parents income.
Northampton, Mass.:
How important do you think it is to eat out with your friends occasionally even if you are on a tight budget?
Angela Nissel: Very important, actually! Especially if you are friends with the cafeteria ladies and they let you sneak in together! :-) Ramen was meant to be shared!
Brooklyn:
This may sound kinda selfish but I'm on a serious budget and I love to eat, especially sushi... were you able to indulge yourself during the "broke" days?
Angela Nissel: Luckily, I was single and found some guys my age who liked to treat on dates. I think my rep got around (free food lover) and now I can't get a date to save my life. Be careful! LOL...
Queens, N.Y.:
How is Chicken Man from the book doing?
Angela Nissel: Speaking of weird dates...I haven't talked to Chicken Man since that date (in book). I'm sure he's still clucking around somewhere. I shudder whenever I think of him....heehee.
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Angela:
Mind if I make another textbook suggestion? Often there is a copy of the book in the library. Many professors even put it on reserve, so you can just go to the library every week and do your reading there.
Angela Nissel: I used to do this and it's a great idea! Only thing was, around exam time, we'd almost be fist fighting over the textbook. At Penn, you could only borrow it for 1/2 hour.
22204:
You mentioned that you never stole anything, yet you talk about taking silverware (or plasticware) from salad bars and "sneaking" into the cafeteria without paying. Isn't that stealing? Aren't those acts, multiplied by hundreds, costing people who are actually paying?
Angela Nissel: No, I always say get some lettuce from the salad bar. And if you are *really* hungry and working, I don't see anything wrong with getting into cafeteria for free. I just wanted to stay in school. I think the amount of loans I have because of laws that said my divorced parent *had* to contribute when he said he wasn't helping me at all...I think those were more unfair than me getting free oatmeal after an 8hour graveyard shift and studying.
Falls Church, Va.:
What did you get your degree in? What are you doing now?
Angela Nissel: My degree is in the ever popular and useful Medical Anthropology. :-) I was told to major in what I liked and I liked the weirdest things. Now, I am a computer consultant and do freelance writing. Also working with the director who optioned the movie rights to bring The Broke Diaries to the tv screen. That would be kinda cool if it happens. Thanks for the question!
J-Sun, Chicago Heights, Ill.:
Hi Ang! Are you still banned from Wal-Mart? washingtonpost.com:
Do explain...
Angela Nissel: Ugh. In the book I talk about how a woman physically assaulted me in Wal*Mart. I decided to fight back by acting a bit crazy. I was banned. I don't live in Philly anymore, and haven't tried to go back to that Wal*Mart, so I don't know if I am still banned. :-)
Washington, D.C.:
Hi Angela. I went to Penn, too, and I know how hard it can be to be struggling amongst all that Ivy League money. Fortunately, I had some friends who had soooo much more than they needed that they helped me out when it got desperate. But I know where your inspiration came from! Congratulations on becoming a success!
Angela Nissel: Thank you! Yes, getting used to all of that money was hard for me, but when I realized how much more of a life I had compared to some of the really wealthy students, I began to feel badly for them. I remember how afraid some of them were to even walk off-campus. They missed out on so much stuff! Thank you so much for your kind words!
washingtonpost.com:
Besides the obvious tuition and school supplies expenses, how can being broke in college affect one's grades?
Angela Nissel: Working too much instead of telling someone that you're dead broke. I had two jobs to stay in school, but my grades went down so much, I almost got kicked out! I finally told the Vice Provost (sent her an e-mail. Didn't know her.) and she helped me get better financial aid package. Also took a full year off to work instead of trying to work two jobs and go to school.
Geneva, Switzerland:
Did your quality of life improve once you graduated? You Struggled for so long on a tight budget, did you find yourself going overboard once you graduated?
Angela Nissel: Hi! No, I never went overboard. I enjoy thrift stores and coupons. Maybe I am weird. I live in a really small studio apartment now and I realize I don't need much more until I have children or get married or something. Moving is a pain when you have too much stuff. Then again, I have $700 / month in loans so perhaps I'll get the Rolls when I pay that off! :-)
J-Sun, Chicago Heights, Ill.:
Congrats on all the success. If The Broke Diaries comes to TV, would you play yourself? If not, who would you pick to play you?
Angela Nissel: No, I'm too old to play myself now. :-) She has to be about 18. The show has been outlined and it would start freshman year. The actress would probably by 50 by senior year if the show did well. Hey, if 90210 could do it... I have no idea who I'd want to play me. I'd love to give a newcomer a shot, but writers don't have much say in that stuff. The bigwigs usually tell me to sit down and get them water or something. "Go write another book!"
Philadelphia, Pa.:
Angela, how long have you been out of college?
Angela Nissel: Philadelphia! Yeah! I graduated in 1998.
Detroit, Mich.:
What writers crack you up and make you laugh like you do to so many of us?
Angela Nissel: Wow, sorry for the pause between this and last question! Dave Sedaris, Dave Barry (just finished his novel). I'm a big stand-up fan, too. Steve Harvey is my fave. Love suspense book, though. A new one by Solomon Jones has me hooked. Pipe Dreams, I believe it is called.
Formerly in Philly :
Hi,
I was a grad student at Penn, which is a fairly broke state to be in, as well, but tuition is usually covered at least. For undergrads, here's another suggestion: if you are in a huge lecture (which often happens at big research universities) -always- talk to the grad student/teaching assistant in charge of your discussion section. He or she can be of valuable help obtaining textbooks or loaning other educational materials. Trust me, a lot of the TAs are annoyed with the "snotty rich kids" who sometimes 'throw away' their parents money and will help out a fellow edcuation-phile to compete on even ground. I look forward to checking out your book!
Angela Nissel: Passing on the great suggestions!
Alt.fashion regular in Virginia:
Hi Angela! I first heard about your book on alt.fashion. I'm almost finished with it. I find that I have to read a little then take a break -- it hits so close to home sometimes I don't know whether to laugh or cry. Great job, and congratulations to you. What's your next book going to be about?
Angela Nissel: Thank you! And laugh, please. If I ever saw someone reading my book and crying, I'd feel so bad! :-) Like "What did I do? I'm so sorry! I won't sneak and get oatmeal anymore! Promise!" I'm thinking of next book now. I'm so stuck! Just finished my first script. Guess what it's about? Being broke and being in college! I need a new topic! :-)
Alexandria, Va.:
I was also very broke all through college. I lived on $10 a week for food, and very, very rarely had money to spend going out to dinner or bars (the only good thing about frat parties -- they're free!). But I sucked it up, and made it through.
But the biggest challenge for me was the fact that most of my friends all had money, and didn't have to work. Mommy and daddy sent them a nice fat check every month. I got left out of a lot of stuff because I simply couldn't afford it. Sure, I was bitter. It's easy to laugh about it now, but it was really tough at the time.
Angela Nissel: Hi fellow brokette! It was hard to laugh at the time, but now don't you crack up at some of the things you thought to do? Being broke cultivates creativity!
Vancouver, BC, Canada:
Angela! Make a movie or audio book, please! I thought the book was so entertaining, not only for the messages but for the delivery! Is Hollywood in your sites at all? Represent college students everywhere!
Angela Nissel: Thank you! I'd love to make an audio book! The publisher makes all of those decisions. Maybe I'll read it out loud and record it myself. Sell it on street corners like they do bootleg albums. (Just kidding if my publisher is reading this.) Yep, Hollywood has approached me. The rights have been optioned to director Reginald Hudlin. Thanks for the question!
J-Sun, Chicago Heights, Ill.:
What's the strangest thing that's happened as a result of you having a book published? Also, has anyone recognized you in public and/or asked for an autograph yet?
Angela Nissel: The weirdest thing is what people admit to me! Scams they did that I would never think of doing. TV reporters have admitted a lot to me. I'm always like "Do you mind if I sell that to the Enquirer?" Heehee, when I was getting a lot of press in Philly, I got recognized. That was weird. I was a broke rock star. (yeah, right)
Washington, D.C.:
My friend is 19 and is trying to start community college this fall. She had planned to attend a private school but when she took a realistic look at her plan, her financial aid package would have been $2000 in assistance and $11,000 in loans, thus community college. Her father has never been in her life and her mother is mentally ill and won't give her the necessary tax papers she needs to enter school this fall. What strategies do you recommend to get herself admitted as an independent student?
Angela Nissel: Usually there is a section for "extenuating circumstances". Sometimes I think financial aid officers don't read that, but that's the first step. I've had friends who have had to apply for public assistance and get approved *before* they could get declared independent. One friend a situation very similar to *your* friend's. Eventually you reach a compassionate ear.
Philadelphia, Pa.:
Did you ever think of trying to publish "The Broke Diaries" while IN college, but under a different name/school? Do you think the power of communicating with school officials for struggling students is a story that needs to be told?
Angela Nissel: I did put some of the entries online while I was in school. The thing I *didn't* think of doing that I've heard some people did is start a support group with school funds (just like the Student Actor's Clubs, etc) for low-income students. I met a woman on my book tour who did that and actually changed quite a few things at her school. Great idea!
Bethesda, Md.:
Two things have made my nephew's experience in college easier. The first has been the Visa Buxx card. I just place a few hundred dollars on that card and they can buy food, books or whatever. The plum is that I know exactly what he is spending his money on because I get a statement via e-mail.
He had a similar card issued by American Express, but they froze all the students' accounts mid-year and wouldn't allow them to be funded because of glitch in their system.
They have to be careful, but picking the right stored-value card can be great for parents and students learning how to budget.
Angela Nissel: Great suggestion! If I go back to grad school, can I be your relative?
Rockville, Md.:
I am applying to grad school for entrance next fall. I am applying for all sorts of grants and assistantships, but am worried my HORRIBLE credit will prevent me from getting federal loans. What sort of loans can I apply for with bad credit? I am 27 years old...
Angela Nissel: My credit wasn't too good (I didn't know Philadelphia Electric Company reported to credit bureaus!). Only loans I had trouble getting were private University-funded loans. My financial aid officer (we became good friends) told me it's much easier to get federal loans with bad credit. I don't know why that is, but I always got them... Can't get a credit card to save my life. Not even the ones for people with bad credit.
Arlington, Va.:
Hello,
I'm hoping you can help me out. I'm 23 years old and have a BS degree. I am going back to school, full time, to get an BSN in January. I am on my own, and am worried that I am not going to make ends meet with living costs, tuition, etc. Do you think there is still time to apply for FAFSA or should I go the personal loan route? Any other suggestions? Thank you in advance. I've been waiting for a chat session like this.
Angela Nissel: I've sent in the FAFSA late several times. There were these cryptic looking codes on the back. I had someone in financial aid office check off some boxes and codes on the form and it was always accepted late. Call the toll-free number, they should be able to tell you! Let personal loans be last resort. Unless the interest is less than federal loans, of course!
washingtonpost.com:
Angela, thanks for joining us today. How can interested parties find out more about you and "The Broke Diaries?"
Angela Nissel: Thank you! This was fun! My site is www.thebrokediaries.com. I do answer all e-mail that comes through the site (might take a week or two, but I do!). If I didn't get to anyone's question, feel free to drop me a line there! Thanks!
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