By KATHIANNE BONIELLO
Last updated: 4:20 pm
August 2, 2009
Posted: 3:35 am
August 2, 2009
She has given new meaning to a class-action lawsuit.
Trina Thompson gave it the old college try, but couldn't find work. Now she thinks her sheepskin wasn't worth her time, and is suing her alma mater for her money back.
The Monroe College grad wants the $70,000 she spent on tuition because she hasn't found gainful employment since earning her bachelor's degree in April, according to a suit filed in Bronx Supreme Court on July 24.
The 27-year-old alleges the business-oriented Bronx school hasn't lived up to its end of the bargain, and has not done enough to find her a job.
The information-technology student blames Monroe's Office of Career Advancement for not providing her with the leads and career advice it promised.
"They have not tried hard enough to help me," the frustrated Bronx resident wrote about the school in her lawsuit.
"She's angry," said Thompson's mother, Carol. "She's very angry at her situation. She put all her faith in them, and so did I. They're not making an effort.
"She's finally finished [with school], and I'm so proud of her. She just wants a job."
The mother and daughter live together, but are struggling to get by. Carol, a substitute teacher, has been the only breadwinner.
"This is not the way we want to live our life," the mom said. "This is not what we planned."
As if being unemployed weren't enough, Trina's student loans are coming due, saddling the family with more debt, the mom said.
"We're going to be homeless, and we'll still have a student loan to pay," Carol said.
Monroe insists it helps graduates in their careers.
"The lawsuit is completely without merit," school spokesman Gary Axelbank said. "The college prides itself on the excellent career-development support that we provide to each of our students, and this case does not deserve further consideration."
The college's Office of Career Advancement advertises lifetime free service for graduates, and boasts on the school's Web site: "We have many resources available for students at any stage of their college career, and even after graduation."
kboniello@nypost.com
COMMENTS
M&M - don't borrow more than you can afford to pay off working in the fastfood industry - I had student loans for 10 years and paid them off - it is possible to do without a huge salary if you don't borrow more than you should...
And yes, we do hire recent college graduates. For us, a good college hire is someone who did well in school and engaged in internships in their field.
Sorry, Trina. Good luck with your job search. Since your name is now plastered all over the Internet, you are going to need it
Or how about, why not just get married, have kids and have have your husband take care of you like you expect the world to do for you (then your husband can then pay off your tuition).
I welcome McDonalds or Payless to allow her to run part of the corporate office for a week! But wait, that's below her.
remember that education (degree) is also for personal growth, and for looking for a job (not necessarily in your field). I agree with many comments, stop looking for a handout, your are responsible for you, and you make the investment in YOUR education. If you truly want a refund, your college should give it to you, BUT take back your diploma, your transcripts and any reference that you ever attended college. this way, you enjoyed 4 years making friends, possible learning something for personal growth and now you can start looking for a job that doesnt' require a degree since you will now not have one. good luck, you actually needed it.
Keep in mind, regardless of your degree, there is no limit as to what you could do (unless you had a MA History and decide to throw a shingle out as a medical doctor).
I know many people who have Masters or undergrads in diverse concentrations and majors who are doing NOTHING that applies to their degree. My best friend is a paralegal and she has a BA Music, my coworker has a BS Economics and is a business analyst, I have a BS Accounting and I am a Systems Analyst/Business Analyst, and another former coworker had a BA Philosophy and a MA Music and is an HR Generalist.