Things Paid For

Being a financially dependent person for the first eighteen or so years of my life has made for somewhat of a shock these last two years. Not only am I suddenly much more independent that in the past, I also have a lot more to pay for. This photo essay is a collection of things I (and the typical college student) pay for. When I decided to make the process of paying the theme for my photo essay, I had originally wanted to include only things that everyone has to spend money on but doesn’t particularly enjoy. Then I realized that there are things that everyone is actually willing and excited to pay for. Taking these pictures has helped me appreciate the good things I have. Now I walk around seeing the good things rather than complaining about the price. Also, I have a greater appreciation for the things I don’t like paying for. For example: rent. Went the first of the month comes around I dread taking out my checkbook, but because I do, I have a place to sleep, eat, and watch TV. Paying for school (tuition and textbooks) is also not something I really enjoy, but I’m getting a good education because I do. Sometimes reminding myself that I’m paying for it is the only thing that gets me to class in the morning. It’s also sometimes the only thing that gets me to read my textbooks and do my homework. To get a more universal representation, I asked some of my roommates what types of things they don’t like to pay for. Rent, tuition/textbooks, and gas were mentioned. Then my roommate starting telling me about where she bought her favorite shirt (which she happened to be wearing), so I snapped a picture. Then I realized that paying for things isn’t always a bad thing, and I asked about things they liked to buy.