[dzandiloo]

Have you gone to your school financial aid office & talked to someone about getting a loan? You may not qualify for any grants, but just about anyone can get federal loans that can be used to help with living expenses during college. They may also be able to provide information about emergency-short term loans. Find out if there is any work-study program you can get into (school jobs, say in the library, the student center, etc.)

If your mother is not going to support you, you need to make it clear to her that you are going to declare yourself independent, and she will not be able to claim you as a dependent on her income tax after this year (that may get her to come around, because parents DO NOT like to lose that credit). Claiming yourself independent won't help you immediately, but it will help you with financial aid next year....

Is there not a career services office you can go to & look for work-at Texas Tech, there is a board where professors post want ads for baby-sitters, people to run errands for them, etc. Check with local churches to see if any of them need nursery help on Sunday mornings...they don't pay great, but its better than nothing. Call the local newspaper and find out about paper routes (not fun getting up that early, but again, its moola!).

Another idea--maybe you can organize a fundraising activity for the pledge class--with the proceeds going to pay for various things, including your initiation fee...just an idea. I know at my kid's school, they have car washes to help pay the cost of the kids field trips & such.... When I was a collegian, the local Sonic let us car-hop & we got to keep our tips as well....

Definitely talk to your treasurer about a payment plan....and when you drop off resumes/applications at places-even fast food joints, follow up with a phone call the next day...I know when I managed a Structure store (eons ago), I got dozens of applications a week. It was the kids who kept letting me know they were interested that got the jobs.

If worse comes to worse, is there a place in town where you can donate platelets? (don't faint!). I know students who make up to $100 a month just going in a donating platelets...its not the most fun thing to do, but it can be profitable (and your helping people out, which isn't a bad feeling).

Just a few ideas--last, but not least--do you have the option of public transportation, or live close enough to campus to get rid of your car? I know that seems drastic, but may be your best move (assuming you can get around to whatever job you are able to find).

Hope something here helps....good luck & keep us informed! I do so hope you get to be initiated & have a fruitful college & DZ experience!

ETA: This was my 500th post on GC!!!