Everybody’s talking about this financial crisis we’re in, whether it’s the person who twitches as they watch their stocks take a swan dive into the red, or the person who vaguely heard something about a bailout for companies that produce wooden arrows for children. I have been subject to countless sidelong glances and not-so-subtle hints from my parents as they discuss the state of my college funds, and try to push me to apply for scholarships. These are not isolated concerns; as it turns out, one of the major effects the crisis has had on many Garfield students is a new found academic uncertainty.

“My college money was all in stocks.” said senior Anna Miller. “There used to be enough for all four years. Now about a third of it is gone.”

In this case, losing money goes hand in hand with needing more of it. College isn’t cheap, and a combination of rising tuition and cutbacks on scholarships could alter the post-high school plans of a number of students.

“I’ve been thinking about more in-state schools recently,” said an anonymous junior, “I want to go somewhere on the East Coast, but that might not happen now.”

Students preparing for entrance exams are also encountering obstacles. Many parents are taking night jobs to bring in some extra cash and are spending time working instead of helping their children with homework.