CLEMSON, S.C. — Clemson safety Van Smith drives a BMW, but the car is long past its days as a ride of luxury. It is a 1999 sedan with 300,000 miles on its odometer. Like many college students, Smith holds his breath every time he turns the key in the ignition — hoping the car starts. One day in November, it didn’t.
“The starter went out in the middle of campus,” Smith said. “It cost $400. I had to get it towed up the street. Not cheap.
“So, yeah, the $388 stipend we get? I need that.