Arsenic and Old Lace

“The card stops here: Colleges warn students against plastic” by Kaija Wilkinson appeared in the New Orleans City business issue of May 20, 2002, as a focus report dealing with the rising and ever increasing credit card debt among college students. Wilkinson points to an ill prepared and uneducated generation of students. With the lack of financial, understanding coupled with the avalanche of credit card offers, students are finding themselves up to their waist in debt and having to postpone graduation. On the bright side, colleges and universities are expanding their “financial education beyond the brief speech at freshman orientation.” In fact, many colleges are requiring or recommending students to enroll in personal finance classes. Even with the increased awareness, students are not listening. Wilkinson has chosen to use professional authority, experience, and statistical analysis to provide readers with enough information to decide what they should do.

Kaija Wilkinson’s analysis regarding credit card debt among students is one of many fin

The unintended audience is the college student suffering from the chains of credit card debt. The reader has found himself in this situation and wonders how he got himself there. Those not wanting to believe they have made some poor decision, will like the idea of placing the blame on credit card companies and a lack of educating the consumers. By placing the blame on someone else, the writer will appeal to those who have suffered from poor money management. Although the average college student feels they are responsible enough to have a credit cards research on the other hand suggests; more guidance and less aggressive marketing would benefit college students.

The writer accomplishes her purpose of writing. By the end of the article, one has the feeling colleges and universities are better preparing college students in the personal finance arena. Even though Wilkinson’s article does not inspire one to change, it does bring to life an issue for serious reflection. I liked the article for the most part; I only wish Wilkinson would’ve used some personal examples. It’s hard to determine whether she has any firsthand knowledge of the issue

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