My name is Kristen Munns. I am currently a senior in college completing an internship with Southern Winds Realty under the supervision of realty broker, John Sloan.  Interning has probably been the best insight to the real world that I can get.  I have seen how the economy can affect the business world and consequently can affect the way we live. For example:

 As a college student I don't really notice anything with the economy other than seeing gas prices rise from $1.25-$3.25-$3.40 and now it is estimated that the price of gas will rise to $4.00.  I look at this and say wow this means that I should buy 1 coach purse instead of 3, or maybe I should drink the beer on special tonight instead of my top choice. 

The price of water is rising 15% in Charlotte. To a normal college student especially who is living on campus or whose water is included in their room and board or rent, they wouldn't think anything of it; but as a college student whose water bill comes monthly and usually fluctuates between $20-$40 a month and is now going to be an extra 15%, and the increase in Power due to the increase of coal plus the increase of gas and not to mention just the price of living and the decrease in the American dollar.

During the course of my internship, which is due to end May 15, 2008, I have seen the market and how it has really been affected by the economy.  I see that people are making sure their errands are run before they return home after work; I see people stepping on the bus to ride to and from work or other leisure activities because it saves on gas; I see people conserving more due to the state our country is in.  I hear that we are in a draught and that families are not allowed to use more water than what is needed.  Individuals are unable to buy so they rent homes or apartments instead. 

My reaction and final question to all of this is, when will it end?  I am getting ready to apply to start a job in the real world and my fear is not knowing when this will all go back to normal and our economy will be re-boosted.  Will we go through a depression again?    My hopes for the futures are that America can work everything out the way it should be, not necessarliy the way it use to be because everything will always change with time.

If I could encourage one thing to anyone starting college or who is still in college, I would say one thing, do as many internships as possible.  For some people my age you might be laughing and saying, she didn't know that?  No, I didn't , and the sad thing is there are a lot of people who still don't realize what is going on.  So I encourage everyone to intern and get extra experience and learn how the world actually works, it changed how I look at things.