Alan Bashein- Nicole Robinson

“I Steal Toilette Paper”: Tip of the Ice burg For Students Suffering from Economic Crisis
As of late the economic dilemma that the United States has faced which has caused the loss of thousands of jobs, housing just to start is the point of much anxiety. Many American’s lives have been touched by the economic phenomenon.

From Wall Street all the way to the small-owned business, many have felt the heat that the crisis has to offer. As of late many University students have experienced economic changes for the worst that have caused them to alter aspects of their lives to balance out their lives. But is it too much?

University of Tampa accounting major Alan Bashein opened up about some of the adjustments that he has had to make as a result of the economic crisis. “I’m cutting back on every aspect”, he revealed, “cutting down on stuff like food”.

Many have experienced the same. Adjustments such as cutbacks on how many times a week students eat out as well as limiting shopping excursions seem to be at the tip of the ice burg in terms of cutting back. But under the surface students are starting to have to make tougher decisions like whether or not to buy books. And fir some even whether or not they will be able to return or even attend certain Universities,

Newspaper USA Today reported, “Nearly seven in 10 high school students say the struggling economy has affected where they applied to college this year”. With the prospects of an improving economy looking slimmer every day, prospective students and current students alike are still worrying about how to go about getting a college degree in the most frugal way.

But at what cost do students pay education-wise because of their economic setbacks? As mentioned before, students are becoming increasingly willing to not pay for books in order to spend less. “I mainly try to not pay for non-core class books. Bashein went on, “It depends on the importance of the book. I might even consider not buying a core class if the book is too expensive”.

It seems that Universities around the country will have to step in to do more if education is going to take such a hit. Without books, students are sure to have significant trouble in doing course readings and meeting grade requirements. Solutions to help students will have to be fast in order to help those who are quickly falling victim to the economic monster that the United States faces.


For now some stay lucky and only are forced to do small things like Bashein. A couple less shopping sprees here and there never hurt anyone. Also a little mischief never hurt to help solve ones problems. Bashein also saves by being a part time “Toilette Paper Bandit”, “I even take toilette paper because the university has so much and I’m sure it helps my pocket somewhere. You’ve got to do anything you can.”