Most community college students share an experience, and that is trying to find a way to pay for school. It’s on almost everyone’s mind. So why isn’t applying for scholarships on everyone’s mind as well?

The district’s applications for scholarships end Feb. 12 at 11:59 p.m. The signs are all over campus, but it takes initiative to go online and actually apply. There are more than 24 pages of options for students to apply for, and each one has an average award of $1,000 to $2,000.

This is free money. Instead of worrying about loans, you can get money you’ll never have to repay. You’ve heard the stories of the students who got loans and are still paying them off, years down the line. This is your opportunity to become educated without having to worry about owing anything to anyone. It’s your chance to better your situation and to become educated.

It’s also a resume filler. You can boast about the scholarships you’ve won. Sell yourself and your achievements. In order to apply for these scholarships in the first place, you have to sell yourself. It’s a good skill to develop, to be able to take your shortcomings and use them to your advantage.

Even if you can’t apply to any of the district’s scholarships, keep the option in your mind. There are always opportunities for students who have hardships or unique circumstances.

Receiving aid from scholarships helps make you stand out, because most of them are merit-based. They show initiative and motivation from students. It will set you apart and ultimately make your life easier. There is no better way to get money from school. Strings-free and no debt is your ideal avenue for funds.

If you can still apply for the district’s scholarships, go for it, but if you can’t you should still check out the financial aid office on campus. There are so many more options for you to apply to, and there’s no reason for you not to at least give it a try.