by guestcontributor on January 7, 2012
When you consider a visit to the Lone Star State, you likely look forward to the football and barbecue that set this locale apart from their neighbors (and if nobody offers you pecan pie, you’re probably still in Oklahoma). But figuring out where to go and what to do in Texas can be problematic simply because the state is so big. So here are just a few of the top places you’ll definitely want to visit when you opt to mess with Texas.
- San Antonio. This little town has a lot to offer fans of history and anyone looking for some fun diversions. It’s a tossup whether the status of top attraction goes to the infamous Alamo (where folk heroes Jim Bowie and Davy Crocket made their last stand against Santa Anna) or Six Flags Fiesta Texas. But no matter what you spend your day doing, have dinner at Smokin Joes BBQ downtown and then take a boat tour of the Riverwalk to see some of the cities coolest buildings and hear about the storied history of this beloved Texas town.
- Big Bend National Park. If getting back to nature is your thing, then you’ll find an abundant supply at this often overlooked National Park. With a variety of canyons, springs, and scenic vistas, this park seems tailor-made for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and return to an unspoiled landscape. And thanks to hiking trails galore and a plethora of bird species (amongst other wildlife) you’ll feel like you’ve gone back in time when you vacation here.
- Dallas. There’s no shortage of entertainment in this quintessential Texas city, which is home to the Cowboys stadium, South Fork Ranch (where the TV show Dallas was filmed), Dealy Plaza (where John F. Kennedy was assassinated), and Reunion Tower (like Seattle’s Space Needle, this famous landmark has a restaurant at the top). Of course, those are just some of the sights you might want to see. Like any major city, there are also plenty of museums, concert venues, restaurants, and nightclubs to keep you entertained on your trip.
- South Padre Island. Most people don’t automatically think of beaches when they plan a trip to Texas, but with miles of shoreline skirting the Gulf of Mexico, this region plays home to plenty of beautiful beaches complete with warm water and gentle waves. And if you’re looking to have a close encounter with a bottlenose dolphin or ancients sea turtle, this is the place to be. With warm Gulf waters, a pristine shoreline, and all kinds of clubs that offer music and dancing at night, this is definitely one of the best vacation destinations in the state.
- Flying L Guest Ranch. Forget about a resort or time share when you come to Texas – they’re not exactly known as the profitable home of the Ritz Carlton Club anyway. When you visit this state with its storied history of lone rangers, there’s really no better place to stay than at a dude ranch. And while you can certainly find working stock ranches that are the real deal (like the Dixie Dude Ranch), most travelers need at least a few hotel-like amenities. So think about stopping in a the Flying L, where you’ll enjoy horseback rides on the 500+ acres set in gorgeous Hill Country, as well as some fun side activities thanks to a nearby waterpark and golf course.
by admin on August 19, 2011
Texas students have a number of unique options in regards to student loans. The Texas state government has made education a high priority. Not only do state laws and programs make sure that students can afford a college education, they also help students afford their loan payments after graduation.
The Texas Student Loan Program:
Chapter 52 of the Texas Education Code contains regulations regarding student loans given under the Texas Student Loan Program. Chapter 52 explains important topics, including:
? Student Loan Qualification: The Texas Opportunity Plan Fund provides loans to students that do not qualify for federal aid, but don’t have enough money to pay for college. To qualify, students must be Texas resident, enrolled in college, provide two references, and prove financial hardship.
? Loan Repayment: Students must begin making monthly loan payments no longer than nine months after graduation. However, the repayment period may be lengthened for students seeking graduate or medical degrees. Payment may also be deferred for students experiencing financial hardships. Interest is also deferred until a student is no longer enrolled in school.
? Loan Amount: Students are allowed to borrow the amount needed to cover their “reasonable expenses”, as set by their school. Loan amounts are determined by deducting a student’s financial aid, scholarships, grants, and income from their “reasonable expenses.”
The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation
As defined by the Texas Education Code in Chapter 57, The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation is a non-profit organization established to help students qualify for student loans. The Texas Guaranteed Student Loan Corporation guarantees that students will receive the loans they need to go to college. If a student needs help applying for loans, this organization will help a student through the application process.
Texas Loan Repayment Assistance Programs:
The TEA, TAJC, and the U.S. Department of Education have made a special effort to help Texans manage their student loan debt. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average college graduate owed approximately $23,000 in 2008. Students that went on to obtain their master’s or doctorate owed significantly more.
To help students get out of debt, the Texas state government offers various loan assistance programs. These programs include:
? The Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Lawyers: The Texas Access to Justice Commission, or TAJC, and the Texas State Bar have designed a loan forgiveness program for law school graduates. Graduates that provide legal assistance to a TAJC funded organization, a Texas non-profit organization, or a company funded by the Legal Services Corporation, may be forgiven of up to $4,800 a year.
? The Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for Teachers: The Texas Education Agency also offers student loan forgiveness. Teachers that work in certain communities, teaching specific subjects, may be forgiven up to $5,000 for a maximum of five years in the program.
? Income-Based Repayment: While this program is not only limited to Texans, it is an important program for students and graduates to be aware of. The IBR program will reduce the size of a graduate’s loan payments, depending on their income and number of dependents. Students that are in need of assistance through the program may have their payments reduced to 10% or less of their income. Plus, after 25 years of payments, the rest of a graduate’s loans will be forgiven.
Many students take out student loans without ever thinking about paying them back. To be an informed borrower, Texas students need to become familiar with local student loan programs, as well as the assistance programs that may be available to them upon graduation.
When you consider a visit to the Lone Star State, you likely look forward to the football and barbecue that set this locale apart from their neighbors (and if nobody offers you pecan pie, you’re probably still in Oklahoma). But figuring out where to go and what to do in Texas can be problematic simply because the state is so big. So here are just a few of the top places you’ll definitely want to visit when you opt to mess with Texas.