One family's struggle to survive

By Nick Heredia

            Throughout the nation, one term is becoming more and more used everyday, the, “working poor.” The reason why this is happening is because the economy had a meltdown and continued to keep melting until there is barely anything left. The term means; person(s) is working hard but just for minimum wage and is barely getting through in the world. This can happen to people of all ages and can also affect families. These are the times when families should come closer together and support one another.

            One family that I know that is going through a rough times like this; are the Bishays. Due to financial problems, the oldest son of three, Michael, 18, has to help his parents pay the bills. Michael has two jobs just to help his family and has to give up on buying some things such as clothing. The times has gotten so bad that Michael and his brothers had to sell some things to stay in the clear of bankruptcy. Michael is now a senior and is planning to go to college and become a lawyer, meaning he needs to make up the money for the college he plans to go to.

            Mr. and Mrs. Bishay are two loving parents who support their kids and will do their best to give them what they want. When the economy entered a downward spiral, the Bishays weren’t affected at first, as time went to course, it got worse. Mr. Bishay owns a business in Downtown Los Angeles selling bag for women. Since the crash of the economy, his business and profit have been decreasing more and more. His wife went to college to get a degree in the pharmacy business and found a job behind the counter to help pay the bills. Michael also had a job at the time of this situation but didn’t have to worry about the struggle of his parents.

            In 2010, Michael formed a band with his friends and bought equipment that cost $1,800. (This was a time before they had to worry, financially.) Two years later, while Michael was in his room watching television, his dad walked in and told him he needs to sell some stuff because they are entering some problems. Michael first thought of the most expensive thing he has, the equipment he bought back in 2010. He then told his fellow band mates of the situation he was in and they wished him the best of luck. He then got another job because he knew it would help his family out even more than just selling his equipment.

            Michael is a senior this year and is taking two A.P. classes, which means he gets more homework then usual. I asked him, when it comes to stress and anxiety, “Have you ever broken down emotionally or mentally?” His response was a simple, “No because although it’s a lot of work I stay strong and keep my composure.” I then asked him about his plans for college and how’s he going to pay for it. He answered, “ I know the kind of colleges I need to go to, to be a lawyer are very expensive, I plan to look for scholarships and get as much financial aid as I can.”

            As the economy came to a low, that one we will soon hope to get back up from, families struggled to survive and keep the things they need to live. Many people found jobs that paid low but still took it because they need the money, they then start struggling, this term is known as “working poor.” When families become of this situation, this is the time they should all come together and help each other. When it comes to Michael and the band he was in, he talked to them and they all decided that when Michael gets back on his feet, they would continue the band then.