Life in the economic downturn

Name: Richard Nieva
Hometown: Hayward, CA
How has the economic downturn affected you? It's definitely affected how I look at my future in a couple of months. It's making me more worried about how I'm gonna pay for my cost-of-living and what kind of job I'm gonna get and whether that's gonna dictate whether I'm looking for a career or just something to pay the bills.

Life in the Downturn

Name: Kevin Creighton
Hometown: Rochester, NY
How has the economic downturn affected you?: The economic crisis has been difficult for my family but not nearly as severe as it has others. My parents both work and one has had to take a pay cut but because I am an only child it is easier for them to accept reality without facing financial disaster. I know people who have been crushed by it and this whole experience is humbling.

Life in the Downturn

Name: Bruce Brown
Hometown: Birmingham, AL
How has the economic downturn affected you? The economy has caused my family to be very cautious with our finances. You see my dad is really highly educated, he is a phD. This puts him in danger because high education= high salary. When companies are cost cutting due to this economy, he is likely one of the first to go because of how much he makes. In addition, his degree is so specialized, that if he loses his job, it is really hard to find another job of equal status for him.

Note: This individual asked that I not show a picture.

Life in the Downturn

Name: Pat Welde
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
How has the economic downtrun affected you? I am very fortunate in the sense that the current state of the economy hasn't had an immediate impact on my family. However, a lot of my friend's parents have lost their jobs, so that has impacted me.

Life in the Downturn

Name: Andy Pantoja
Hometown: Salinas, CA
How has the economic downturn affected you? The current state of the economy sucks. It has caused my family to cut down our budget. It also has caused me to apply for more scholarships and grants.

Life in the Downturn

Name: Carla Espinoza
Hometown: Chicago
How has the economic downturn affected you?: My mom has a pretty stable job as a grammar school teacher so we have been making ends meet for a while, regardless of the economy. However, the current crisis has caused uneasiness for my two older sisters who are out of college and looking for jobs. They are both seeking opportunities in the competitive media world. It is hard to see them struggle but they should be able to overcome. I am hoping the economy will change by the time I graduate but I am preparing myself for the worst.