APPLICANT #15: Chris Anderson

Chris Anderson is an 24-year-old recent graduate from Florence.

Here is Chris' video application:

Here is Chris' current situation:

I am a 24-year old graduate from the University of North Alabama. I have a B.S. in Commercial Music and a minor in Business Administration. My incredible wife, Heather, and I just got back from volunteering with the African Children's Choir for six weeks as chaperones.

I am currently job-searching and spending my extra time picking up change people drop at drive-thru windows. I am super excited about having the opportunity to apply for Alabama's Young & Free Spokesperson!

Here is Chris' blog post:

Staying Social on a Humble Budget

We know that college can be one of the most humbling times of a student's life. But how can we enjoy this time and still...well, live? Here are a couple of tips that can help you stay social and humble.

1. Share Meals
Let's be honest with each other, most restaurants give you way too much food. But if they gave you just enough, you wouldn't be getting your money's worth, right? So a simple solution is to share a meal with a friend! Even if you're a big, manly dude like me, you can pull it off to your friends. Just say something like: "Dude, I totally had 6 whole pizzas before I got here, do you want to split some tenders?" Or if you're with your significant other, you could say something like: "I was thinking about just getting the salad, but would you like to share a basket?" Doing this will not only keep you in favor with your friends, but could also save you 5 bucks or more! Oh yeah, tap water is your friend.

2. Car Pool
I know it happens everyday. Your friends call and ask you to meet them across town so he can show you that sweet guitar they were telling you about.

"You have to come play it dude!"

Or maybe to she wants you to come to check out the new boutique in town.

"Their dresses are so cute!"

Well next time you see yourself in this situation, think of a way that you could ride together. I know this may seem absurd at first. Eventually you will get the hang of it, and soon you will be asking each other, "can you swing by my place and get me?" or "can I pick you up?". Or better yet, plan ahead to meet at someone's home and then go together. But don't get ahead of yourself, let's start with baby steps first.

The college years can be the most social time of your life, and also your poorest. So make the most out of it with what you got! I hope you've enjoyed these tips! I look forward to more in the future!