Watching or reading the news these days may lead people to believe the economic sky is falling.

After the announcement of the collapse of the investment bank Bear Stearns in March, former Fed Chair-man Alan Greenspan published his opinion that the U.S. is experiencing the worst fi nancial crisis since World War II, validating for some analysts their fears a recession had arrived.

But students on Auraria are more optimistic and are for the most part ignoring the talking heads.

Metro student Bronwen Abbattis-ta said although rising gas prices im-pact her as a commuter student she isn’t worried about paying for school or getting a job in her fi eld of commu-nication design when she graduates.

“Personally, I’m not worried about fi nding a job,” Abbattista said. “I’m doing an internship with a graphic designer who is already es-tablished.”

UCD senior Rigo Rascon shares Abbattista’s general outlook and be-lieves things could be better, but is also optimistic about his future when he graduates. Rascon said he was laid off during the last economic downturn after 9/11 and things could be worse.

“Compared to the economic down-

turn following 9/11 and the subse-quent market crash there seems to be more prospects now,” Rascon said.

Most analysts agree the current negative economic climate started when people all over the country be-gan to default on home loans they couldn’t afford. This highlighted not only questionable practices by the banks, but also raised questions about people’s inability to manage their own personal fi nances and liv-ing beyond their means. So it seemed ironic that the government would is-sue “stimulus” checks, encouraging people to spend, spend, spend and continue living beyond their means.

But again, students on Auraria

are ignoring this bad advice from the U.S. government and using the money to gain interest in savings, pay off debt or repair their cars although every student said they ride the light rail as much as possible.

Economic downturns are also usually marked by a constriction on a fi nancial institutions’ ability to lend money. However, Associate Director of Financial Aid Theresa Godinez, said lending limits on government loans for students are actually increasing.

Godinez said students should not worry about receiving aid they have been awarded, but does recommend students manage their money.

“It is going to become more im-portant that they set up a budget for themselves and know where the money is going,” Godinez said.

Godinez said the increase in gov-ernment loan limits will also help stu-dents who apply for additional loans through private lenders. Government loans are locked in at a lower rate

than most private loans, and she sug-gests students thinking about loans to apply through FAFSA fi rst.

Metro student Mike Grigg says he isn’t worried about receiving fi -nancial aid but would appreciate any extra boost in aid he could get. Grigg says he has a job now while in school and believes his previous experience in business will allow him to fi nd a job relatively easily.

“I’m just trying to get an edu-cation that’s why I came back to school,” Grigg said. “I want a degree. I had opportunities, but I couldn’t make it up to that next level because I didn’t have a degree.”

Like it or not, fi nancial markets respond and economic climates are set by the emotions and rants of polit-ical soothsayers and talking heads. A seemingly absurd arrangement, but a reality that leaves me wondering how heads like Greenspan can act so irresponsibly and why more of them aren’t students at Auraria.

insight insight THE METROPOLITAN » JUNE 19, 2008 » A8

Keeping sanity in a crazy economy

ROBERT FISHERrfi she18@mscd.edu

THE METROPOLITAN

Since 1979

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THE PIGEON HOLE

“Compared to the economic downturn follow-

ing 9/11 and the subsequent market crash there

seems to be more prospects now,” Rascon said.

Illustrated by FELIX TANNENBAUM » ftannenb@mscd.edu