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Just wondering if there are any other future thru-hikers that are currently in college or just graduated. I'll be graduating in December of this year, and then plan on hiking beginning in March of 2007.
Are any other hikers dealing with the same issues with college that I am, such as securing internships for after I complete my hike, and what to do about repaying my loans upon graduation if I'll be hiking?
Thanks to any comments.
Hey,
I'm headed out June 1st for an ECT SOBO. I've decided to just wing it all. Not worry about loans, not worry about a job, nothing. For 21 years I've had plans in my future, I want to see what it is like to live without a plan. What effect this will have on me, I do not know. But it is time to be irresponsible for once.
Good luck with your hike,
Ryan
The Solemates
03-28-2006, 11:48
Just wondering if there are any other future thru-hikers that are currently in college or just graduated. I'll be graduating in December of this year, and then plan on hiking beginning in March of 2007.
Are any other hikers dealing with the same issues with college that I am, such as securing internships for after I complete my hike, and what to do about repaying my loans upon graduation if I'll be hiking?
Thanks to any comments.
We were in your shoes (somewhat) before our thru. We both graduated Dec 17, 2003. We got married Jan 4, 2004, took a 10-day real honeymoon to HI, and we left for the trail Feb 1, 2004. We returned home from our thru mid-July 2004, and had moved to another state and began work by the first week in August 2004.
We were lucky that neither of us had college loans. I had scholarships, and my wife's dad helped pay for her schooling. So, when we left for the trail, we didnt have any bills. We stopped the apartment lease, stopped cell phones, stopped every other payment. Both our cars were already paid for. We bought temporary health insurance, put stuff into storage, and were off.
As far as jobs, I had already applied to several jobs and several graduate schools with them knowing that I wouldnt be starting til the fall. I didnt tell them the reason why because I did not want to seem unprofessional. If they asked, I told them we planned to do some travelling.
I contacted both the companies I applied with and the grad schools periodically from the trail, checking in on my status. In the end, we found that I was accepted to grad school and was offered a job in the same city. Thats what I took. i now work while going to school.
The point is, you arent cut off from the world on the trail unless you want to be. I was able to manage all this while on the trail having the time of our lives.
hammock engineer
03-28-2006, 12:27
I am graduating from grad school this spring and going SOBO starting in June.
There is a grace period between when you finish school and when you have to start paying your loans. Also look into different payment options. I am just going to start looking for a job when I get back. Right now I am working a part time job to pay for everything when I am gone.
Plenty of options about how to go about your hike. Find the one that works for you
There is a grace period between when you finish school and when you have to start paying your loans.
Yea, I get a 6-month grace period after I graduate in December...which should put me near the half-way point when I start having to pay the loans back lol. I guess I can just set up some kind of automatic payment plan.
My primary concern is not being able to find a job when I get back. I've already sent out my resume for full time jobs now, but nobody will hire me this early...they all want to apply closer to when I can start working. Oh well, I'm sure it'll all work out.
If it doesn't, there's always the option of not thru-hiking :eek:
Dhorochokaro
03-28-2006, 18:48
Chavens~
I am in the very same boat as you! I graduate with my Masters here at the Univ. of AZ at the end of this summer and a year from now I am off on the trail. It is difficult to tell future employers that my availability is in August 2007! What it came down to for me was understanding that there is no better time for me to fulfill this dream, I am young, unattached (no family of my own), dirt poor and extremely motivated. I leave the future when I return up to chance, deciding that my experiences on the trail are worth it! If I were you I wouldn't look back, go for the trail, and believe that things always work out in the end. Best of luck in your decision.
Wildcat
The Solemates
03-28-2006, 19:00
If it doesn't, there's always the option of not thru-hiking :eek:
i think you have it wrong. that's not an option.
hammock engineer
03-28-2006, 21:56
I looked into it also, and I do not think anyone will hire me this far in advance. I am going to put together a list of companies and web sites that I want to send my resume to when I get back. That should save some time when I get back.
Or maybe I will get back and not want a job.
hammock engineer
03-28-2006, 22:00
Yea, I get a 6-month grace period after I graduate in December...which should put me near the half-way point when I start having to pay the loans back lol. I guess I can just set up some kind of automatic payment plan.
I learned this the hard but if you are going to consoladate your loans, to it before the end of the grace period. If you do, you get a percent point or more less interest. Plus all of the different loans (read one per quarter/semeter) will come do and want their money all at once.
Limbohiker
03-28-2006, 22:37
im a part time college student (part time so i can hold down a full time waitressing job to save money for a thru-hike) and def plan to thru-hike in 2008 i dont really have the same concerns u do cause im getting my masters after my thru hike then going for a job as an outdoor educator...so i guess my thru hike actually helps my career but i do feel ur pains with loans and entering the real world after a thru-hike (does that make sense?) im hoping ill meet lots of ppl like us on the trail
Limbohiker
03-28-2006, 22:39
from talking to ppl i think after gradguating/before entering the "real world" is the best time to thru-hike...not a lot of outside stress....cept it seems the opposite for you
why cant the AT be the "real world"????
im getting my masters after my thru hike then going for a job as an outdoor educator...
What exactly is an outdoor educator? just curious...
BTW, what college do you go to? I don't live too far from York...I probably know of it. I'm a Shippensburg student myself :D
G.H.O.S.T.
03-28-2006, 23:04
I'll also be graduating with my masters in Dec. then starting my hike. I have been working through school so I don't have any loans. 2 weeks after i get back I will be getting married. After that I will most likely work some temperary job (construction, landscape, tutor, etc.) until I can find a job in my feild. I just think it would be too hard to line up a full time job before I leave.
betic4lyf
03-28-2006, 23:07
i am currently a senior in highschool, and i was wondering of all you college students, is it generally hard/ impossible to do a thru hike over a summer, what with the early ending and all?
i am currently a senior in highschool, and i was wondering of all you college students, is it generally hard/ impossible to do a thru hike over a summer, what with the early ending and all?
Well that depends how early you get out. My college ends its spring semester after the second week in May. That would give you only 3 1/2 months untill school starts up again at the end of August.
If you were to take off the fall semester, that would give you about 5 months to hike until October 15, with is when I think the route to Katahdin closes.
Im finishing up my junior year of college on May 5th and plan on getting to Springer on May 7th. I hope to finsh but it could be an unattainable goal seeing how I have to be back in school Sept 1. May have to run a couple days or might just get up to Mass. and walk to Boston stinky and dirty and just go to class of course without showering.
ridefast
03-29-2006, 11:40
im in the same boat.....i graduate in december and im seriously aiming for a late march NOBO start date.
my biggest concern is finding a job beforehand that would allow me to delay my start date until i (hopefully) finish the trail
currently i am workin part time (sales) while in school and think that i could take the time off to hike starting in mid-march and then continue with the same company after completion, but as full time.....this would give me some income while i found a "real job"
ive yet to discuss this with my boss, so who knows
the other side of this issue is that i definitely dont see this job as long term and definintely plan to move on to something more substantial...im just worried about actually finding a job afterwards
Same here. Done in December 2006...that is about as far as my "life plans" go. I figured if I am going to be jobless and homeless, I might as well be on the AT. Grew up in Harpers Ferry and always wanted to try it.
I am worried about the money thing, and doing an unpaid internship this summer doesn't help. I am working a little during school and will hopefully be able to find a job after the summer while I finish my classes and that I don't mind quitting March.
After that, I'm going to quit the job go to GA and head up toward ME. I figure that 6 months or so will give me a good emount of time to figure out what I want to do when I return to the "real world".
Can't wait to see everyone out there. CHEERS!
I plan on finishing a semester early, so I can start NOBO in late winter/early spring and finish before I plan on starting graduate school in the fall.
Hopefully I will take off the second semester of next year, my sophomore year, and hike from early March to August. I am a little nervous about telling my parents this, but I think once they make it through the initial shock they will be okay. I have no debts, and now I am just trying to save the money neccesary.
-Geoffrey
hammock engineer
04-02-2006, 00:45
I wouldn't say I am completly that way. I just want a good job to pay off all my debt (student loans/car). I am looking lots of hours now to pay for my hike.
A good job to me will help fund the things that I want to do. Lots of weekend trips, and small vacations that add up in cost.
But to each their own.
I plan on finishing a semester early, so I can start NOBO in late winter/early spring and finish before I plan on starting graduate school in the fall.
Similar with me. I'll be graduating in Fall semester 2007, so I'll start my NOBO in March 2008. But I have no plans for grad school so I don't have any type of rush at all. Will I be seeing you in '08?:)
Go for IT!!! I got out of College three years ago...but I got a job, and a house and now a little future hiker on the way. My through hike possibilities are now gone. College kids go for it NOW, before it's too late!!!!
Will I be seeing you in '08?:)
I wish, unfortunatly I still have 2 1\2 years left :(, although taking a break from school is still an open option for me.
i would've been fine for graduating in december if i hadn't skipped this spring semester (had a bad fall session and needed a break) hopefully with the summer sessions that i'm signing up for and next fall, i'll be fine. but, it's cutting it close.
I grauate May 5th and starting South bound on June 20th. Because of the industry(restaurants) I am in, it has made it easier to explain to employers that i am hiking the trail. I have made some contacts that I be in touch with through out my hike to insure i will still have a job offer when i finish. The chef at the job i want, in Oregon, is all about the outdoors and loves the idea that i am taking some time off after i graduate. being up front about hiking has helped me, but depending on the industry you are in i could see that some would think different of hiking the trail. i am ending my lease here in NY and then taking all my stuff to good ole mom's house.
But anyway good luck Chavens.
I am counting the days. I can't wait to hit the trail.
Why wait, just hike the trail over the summer. I hiked it in the summer of 2005; left after the spring semester and made it back in time for my fall semester. That way after graduation you can focus on your loans and what not.
freebird91
04-10-2006, 04:23
I'm also a college student. The plan is for me to take the year off in '07 (I'm currently a freshman) and resume school in '08. My biggest concern right now is getting the loans/financial aid I will need after taking a year off as I'm not sure how good that will look to those who decide whether I get the money.
I decided to go back for my PhD just so I could hike.
I hiked it in the summer of 2005; left after the spring semester and made it back in time for my fall semester.
You thru-hiked in only 3 1/2 months? Wow.
Unless your school's schedule is set up differently than mine. We get out around the second week of May, and go back the last week of August.
squivens
04-23-2006, 23:08
Im in a similar situation. I finish finals in two days from UPJ. Then I am taking a year off and hiking next summer ... using the time in between now and March 2007 to save up enough to give my parents the money to make my payments on everything while I am hiking so Its not something I will worry about.
As for a job, I am planning on graduate school afterwards so that will just fill itself in after the hike.
Since we are so close Chavens if you need somebody to hike with this summer ... let me know.
The Solemates
04-24-2006, 12:01
Im in a similar situation. I finish finals in two days from UPJ. Then I am taking a year off and hiking next summer ... using the time in between now and March 2007 to save up enough to give my parents the money to make my payments on everything while I am hiking so Its not something I will worry about.
As for a job, I am planning on graduate school afterwards so that will just fill itself in after the hike.
Since we are so close Chavens if you need somebody to hike with this summer ... let me know.
will be in pittsburgh for a conference this weekend, and half my family lives in johnstown. if you want to meet for lunch or something let me know....
squivens
04-25-2006, 01:26
what days will you be in town solemates? I work all day saturday and sunday, but if your around Friday something can be arranged.
Either Johnstown or Pittsburgh I have no plans yet
The Solemates
04-25-2006, 09:22
i am leaving this afternoon and will be there thurs-fri-sat. i will be at a conference and will not have a car or a lot of time. but if you are willing to come to where i am at downtown (staying at the hilton), I would love to take an hour and meet you for lunch.
squivens
04-25-2006, 14:13
Yeah ... Thursday or friday would work for me I need to head that way. I can swing around the hilton or meet you someplace else. I don't know that many places to eat down that way but can find something. give me a day/time preference. and we'll go from there
Limbohiker
04-25-2006, 21:11
What exactly is an outdoor educator? just curious...
BTW, what college do you go to? I don't live too far from York...I probably know of it. I'm a Shippensburg student myself :D
I go to York college of Pennyslvannia.
Outdoor educator works for an organization such as outward bound or even something as simple as being a rafting instructor.
dadecker
04-25-2006, 21:37
I"m glad to see other new college grads headed north in 07. I graduate in december from indiana university and plan to hit the dusty trail early march. See you then!
My best friend and I are both graduating college in May (Boston College and Binghamton University) and are going to spend the year working and peak bagging in NY/NE, then thru-hiking NOBO in 2007 starting 4/1 (tentatively).
The Solemates
05-01-2006, 09:24
Yeah ... Thursday or friday would work for me I need to head that way. I can swing around the hilton or meet you someplace else. I don't know that many places to eat down that way but can find something. give me a day/time preference. and we'll go from there
man im sorry about this, but ive been really busy....i didnt get a chance to check WB before i left. sucks to, cause i would have been able to meet ya for lunch at least. we had a great time in pittsburgh. if you want to chat, just give me a PM or email. sorry again.
blitz134
05-01-2006, 20:15
Its good to see others looking at breaking away from school while they have the chance. Almost all other trips don't require this amount of time and after graduating is the perfect time. I'm in the same boat as Chavens...I always seem to have my future planned out too far in advance and never take any big chances with my path through life, but after I get my Masters (hopefully at the end of '07 and no sooner...) I plan to take it easy for once in my life and hit the trail...and just see what happens. Over the last year or so I've realized that life isn't about work, its about having fun and enjoying the time you have in whatever way you see fit.
So do what you have to do to, all other things can wait...
squivens
05-01-2006, 21:27
I've come to that conclusion too ... I use to have everything planned out, and then it all changed one me. From then on, I limit the time wasted on planning and actually do something.
Good luck with the timing. Looking forward to meeting you on the trail.
baerbelleksa
05-11-2006, 21:27
i'm graduating this sunday, may 14th, and i start hiking southbound after my sister graduates high school on may 29th. i'm putting off finding a job until i finish the hike, possibly to my detriment. but i'm going on the notion that i'll be so confident and awesome after i'm done hiking that it'll be easy to get a job.
I just graduated high school. I'm thru hiking next year, and then I will have the same summer job I kept throughout high school next summer, and then I start college in the fall (deffered for a year). I will start college without much money, but hey, who cares. Through a stroke of pure luck, I've already got a job lined up for once I start college.
Imayroam
07-22-2006, 17:30
Yeah, it can get kinda tough tru-hiking while going to school. Its even more complicated for me, I goto a school that has 3 month semesters that rotate with an intership program in Michigan. 3 months I'm at school, 3 months I'm at work, so I'm busy all year round. I'm taking one work term off next spring to hike the trail, but that only gives me 105 days to do it, and I have to do all my planning while I'm at school. I suppose it'll be a real test for me, we'll see how it goes. Right now I'm only a sophmore in College, and I'll still be one next spring. I'll be hiking the trail at 20 years old.
Yeah, it can get kinda tough tru-hiking while going to school. Its even more complicated for me, I goto a school that has 3 month semesters that rotate with an intership program in Michigan. 3 months I'm at school, 3 months I'm at work, so I'm busy all year round. I'm taking one work term off next spring to hike the trail, but that only gives me 105 days to do it, and I have to do all my planning while I'm at school. I suppose it'll be a real test for me, we'll see how it goes. Right now I'm only a sophmore in College, and I'll still be one next spring. I'll be hiking the trail at 20 years old.
Kettering?
Smacky70
07-22-2006, 20:54
Just wondering if there are any other future thru-hikers that are currently in college or just graduated. I'll be graduating in December of this year, and then plan on hiking beginning in March of 2007.
I'm in a very similar situation, I *finally* finish up in December. Luckily I already have a part time job in my industry, which converts over to full time once my last exam for second semester is over. Then I will be working full time until I leave for Springer.
However instead of going back home after the hike, I'm moving to London.
So between now and then I'm scrounging every cent I can. One good thing is that moving overseas means I don't have to pay back my government student loan.. until I move back to Australia at least :p
Imayroam
07-23-2006, 11:01
Yeah, I'm a Kettering A Section Student - Mechanical Engineering Major. Familliar with the school?
Let me tell ya, I understand the pain of trying to balance college/job responsibilities and the desire to thru-hike. I've tried to take a semester off and found that I couldn't. I've also tried to take a whole year off and found that I couldn't. It's frustrating.
The plan, as I know it right now, is that my fiance and I will be graduating in May of 2008. We plan to start as soon as Baxter State Park lets us and hike sobo. We decided this because most people start at Springer in March or April, well before we get out of school. Because we didn't want to feel rushed in trying to get to Katahdin after a late start, we decided a sobo hike would be more fun.
We are applying to graduate schools during our senior year and defering for a year. When we get done hiking the trail, we'll have a few months before we have to be at school. We plan to bum living space off our parents and get short-term jobs to save up.
I don't have student loans, but my fiance does. We plan to save enough money that they can be paid automatically while we're gone (yay online automatic payments). Of course, we may be back before the six-month grace period is over. In my opinion, part of budgeting for the AT includes the funds necessary to keep the rest of "life" from ruining the hike. If only I had more of a free spirit so that I could just forget about the rest of it and hike as a profession!