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Rant & Rave
PEOPLE often ask me, "What are your hobbies?" or "What do you plan on doing for a living?" I have it all figured out. Aside from being a teacher, ice cream maker and engineer, writing college textbooks will be my hobby. Textbooks teach
basic economicsEvery semester, as I walk down the bookstore isle to buy my new books, I plan on spending a lot of money. Every year though, the books become more and more expensive. One of my engineering books -- just 1-inch thick -- cost $100. Oh wait! There may be a little tag that says, "Used Books, $75."
Out of excitement, I search the stacks for a used book, but unfortunately there are no used books. Feeling defeated, I walk down the isle and grab all the books that I need for my classes and go to the register.
The lady at the cash register tells me, "Your total is $425."
What? That much money for books?
How can these books cost so much money? I can buy 300 sheets of folder paper for $2. But the going price for 300 sheets of paper with words and a hard cover plastered on is $100?
At the end of the semester, the bookstore gives us a chance to make our money back by selling our books back to them for resale.
You stand anxiously in line, your arms aching under a stack of books. When you finally reach the cashier, she tells you that they will pay $15 for a book that cost you $100.
Then, next semester, when you check the book shelves, you find your book priced at $75. Wow, talk about profit!
I guess these books do have educational value, but I still think they are overpriced. I think, someday I want to be a textbook writer. I will be the kind of author whose name gets no notice, even though it is plastered on a book cover.
I won't be as popular, funny or creative as Lois-Ann Yamanaka, whose books I love, but I'll be rich!
When she's not dreaming about quick riches,
Jennifer Chang is pursuing a Civil Engineering degree
at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa.Rant & Rave is a Tuesday Star-Bulletin feature
allowing those 12 to 22 to serve up fresh perspectives.
Speak up by fax at 523-8509; by answering machine at 525-8666;
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