As the economic turmoil worsens, the number of people affected by the economy grows.

Dr. Liz Garcia, counseling psychologist for NIU Counseling and Student Development, said the economy has affected many students.

“The economy has impacted students across the entire university,” she said.

Garcia said the downturn in the economy is something that is difficult to avoid facing.

“It’s hard to avoid it when we hear about it in the news and other aspects in the media,” she said.
A main factor, Garcia said, affecting students’ stress level is money.

“Students are dependent on money in terms of paying for school,” she said. “They might be worried about affording tuition, housing and books.”

Garcia said because of this, students turn to employment.

“They are looking for a job or some could be looking for an extra job to help pay off those things,” she said.

Senior geology major Stephanie Vickers said this has been the case for her.

“The economy has affected me by having to work two jobs right now,” Vickers said. “I’m worried about having enough money for when I go to grad school.”

Vickers said because of the two jobs she has limited free time.

“I don’t have time to do anything including leisure activities,” she said.

Garcia said the stress can affect students’ health as well.

“Some might have recurring thoughts about the economy causing them to lose sleep at night,” she said. “This could affect their study habits and their grades.”

Tony Wadas, junior political science major, is one person who has not been stressed out by the economy.

“In terms of stress, I haven’t been affected by it,” he said.

Wadas, however, has been affected in his spending habits.

“I haven’t been able to buy things or go out as much,” he said.

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