Like most Indonesians sent to study in the U.S., I rely on a "scholarship" funded by my parents. Hence the heading "Help me pay my parents back.” Click on the receipt to see how much my parents love me.

Equipped with a B.A. from American University and an expensive piece of paper (my diploma), I was ready to conquer the "real world" — thinking that I could make a return on some of their investment.

Silly me! I didn't read the fine print that stated "Education is final and non-refundable. Your diploma will not guarantee you to be a millionaire. Welcome to the real world!"