Not only would the Peace Corps allow Warner to serve others and to see another part of the world, it also would provide a slight financial reprieve. "I have loans I'll have to start paying off," said Warner, who had just come out of a literature survey class at ASU's Tempe campus. "With the Peace Corps, you can defer those a while." Warner also worries that her major will make it hard to find employment in what's already a tight job market. Altering her career plans isn't the only change Warner has made to save money.
Laurel Warner is seriously considering applying for the Peace Corps
Pulse of the economy: The new frugality
Arizonans alter lifestyles, look ahead to better times
by Betty Beard and Dawn Gilbertson -
Nov. 30, 2008 12:00 AM
The Arizona Republic
This time, it's hitting all of us.
On Nov. 21, 10 Republic reporters and four photographers fanned out across the Valley to take the pulse of the Arizona economy.
They asked everyday people, many of them solidly middle-class, how they were coping. It was evident that the months-long housing crisis, followed by a national financial meltdown, had created a grimmer reality. For consumers and for businesses.
[Excerpt]
Laurel Warner, 20, student
By Andrew Johnson
Laurel Warner's graduation isn't for another year, but already the Arizona State University junior is adjusting her post-college career plans in light of the sluggish job market.
The 20-year-old English literature major said she's seriously considering applying for the Peace Corps.
Not only would the Peace Corps allow Warner to serve others and to see another part of the world, it also would provide a slight financial reprieve.
"I have loans I'll have to start paying off," said Warner, who had just come out of a literature survey class at ASU's Tempe campus. "With the Peace Corps, you can defer those a while."
Warner also worries that her major will make it hard to find employment in what's already a tight job market. Altering her career plans isn't the only change Warner has made to save money.
She left Azusa Pacific University, a private college in Azusa, Calif., after her freshman year to save on tuition.
She now commutes to ASU from her parent's home in Gilbert, which saves money on room and board.
And instead of hitting up Starbucks several times a week, she's made a personal rule only to buy coffee when she's with friends.
The recent drop in gas prices has helped a little. Warner said she had only been filling up half her tank, which cost about $20.
On a recent trip to the gas station, she said she was excited when her $20 actually got her to the full mark.
