My school has a unique culture. First of all, almost half (like 43-47%) of the student body are international students. Many are from poorer countries (in terms of education and/or economic wealth) like Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Tahiti, Marquesas, the Phillipines, Mongolia, India, Ghana, Zambia, Uganda etc. Even students from "wealthier" countries like the United States, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, etc come from economically disadvantaged homes.
But, nevertheless, we have made it here to Hawaii for school. Many things are more expensive here, so as students, we have to watch our costs even more. Things can be pretty expensive, especially when you first arrive and you have a lot of things you need to get. Things like trips home have to be considered very carefully for most. I haven't gone home for Christmas any of the years I've been here. I've only ever paid for one trip home.
Because it's difficult and expensive for ourselves--and luggage!--to come and go, we have to face decisions about how much we want to bring with us when we come, if we want to ship somethings over or if it is cheaper to purchases new things here, etc. It's the same when students graduate, transfer or leave. Many items are not worth the cost of taking back home.
Students have been pretty creative at finding ways to take advantage of our turnover times between semesters to make a buck or two selling unneeded items to new students for cheap prices, or even just giving things away to friends. Anything else gets thrown away.
The Problem: you have to know people who happen to be giving away (or selling for cheap) the things you want. Also, most students leave before the new students come in, so there is a gap in the opportunity to exchange goods.
The Solution: Campus Give and Take Center.
How it works:
You gain access by either serving there (sorting clothes, books, etc) or by donating items in exchange for "new" ones.
I always stop to take a look at the books. Books are expensive! And I found one of my required textbooks brand-new here!
What opportunities are in your area? You'd be surprised at what you can find if you ask around. Or, if there's nothing like this around, maybe you can help start your own community Give and Take!
But, nevertheless, we have made it here to Hawaii for school. Many things are more expensive here, so as students, we have to watch our costs even more. Things can be pretty expensive, especially when you first arrive and you have a lot of things you need to get. Things like trips home have to be considered very carefully for most. I haven't gone home for Christmas any of the years I've been here. I've only ever paid for one trip home.
Because it's difficult and expensive for ourselves--and luggage!--to come and go, we have to face decisions about how much we want to bring with us when we come, if we want to ship somethings over or if it is cheaper to purchases new things here, etc. It's the same when students graduate, transfer or leave. Many items are not worth the cost of taking back home.
Students have been pretty creative at finding ways to take advantage of our turnover times between semesters to make a buck or two selling unneeded items to new students for cheap prices, or even just giving things away to friends. Anything else gets thrown away.
The Problem: you have to know people who happen to be giving away (or selling for cheap) the things you want. Also, most students leave before the new students come in, so there is a gap in the opportunity to exchange goods.
The Solution: Campus Give and Take Center.
How it works:
You gain access by either serving there (sorting clothes, books, etc) or by donating items in exchange for "new" ones.
And this little outfit below is brought to you by the number "0" (dollars) as in everything you see was F-R-E-E
What opportunities are in your area? You'd be surprised at what you can find if you ask around. Or, if there's nothing like this around, maybe you can help start your own community Give and Take!
You look so cute! One way we make money is looking in our basement for something we don't need, and Tony sells it on craigslist. Instant cash AND more room in our house. Hooray!
ReplyDelete