Unemployment rates influence students’ choices, confidence in future | by MICHELLE REICHMEIER  

What’s going on in the nation?

As of Dec. 4, the national unemployment rate is 10 percent, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last October, rates increased to 10.2 percent, the highest since April 1983. Missouri‘s October unemployment rate reached a high of 9.3 percent.

   

How do these rising national rates affect STA?

While they may be mere statistics to some students, others are facing the harsh realities of joblessness and are uncomfortable with their current economic status. Fifty-two percent of unemployed students are currently searching for jobs. With college around the corner, many students are struggling to stay confident about the future, whether employed or unemployed.

How does unemployment affect high school life?

Senior Riley Cowing struggled throughout summer to find a part-time job. Her efforts finally paid off right before the start of the school year. ‘I’m so glad to be employed now,’ Cowing said. ‘Finally. It was so frustrating going all summer without a job and really stressful knowing my chances of landing one were slim in this economy.’ Cowing noted that knowing what it is like to be unemployed has made her more conscious of how she spends her money, which prompts concern about the future. ‘I worry especially because it is so important to have a job after college and with this economy you never know.’

How does unemployment affect college life?

According to the Wall Street Journal, current college graduates are facing record high levels of debt and unemployment rates. The already rising debt problem has collided with an unstable economy. The unemployment rate for college graduates ages 20 to 24 increased to 10.6 percent, the highest rate on record. Students such as sophomore Colleen McInerney are already preparing to combat this situation by taking on two jobs. ‘With the economy as terrible as it is, I’m afraid of winding up on my sister’s couch when I’m older,’ McInerney said.