Editor's note: In a happy ending to this story, David Farmer was awarded a scholarship on Tuesday. “He’s very deserving,” head coach June Jones said.

Every experienced person has a "when I was your age ..." story.

University of Hawai'i running back David Farmer is living one.

"I'm surviving," said Farmer, a California native who is not receiving a football scholarship.

Farmer lives off money earned from an offseason job with a jewelry company, student loans and a small stipend he receives from his family.

After rent for an off-campus apartment ($600) and monthly car payments ($160) and insurance, Farmer has budgeted $13 a day for food, gas and other expenses.

He limits his car mileage, and eats only two meals a day.

He clips coupons, and knows of the discounts, such as the sandwich franchise that offers a $4.99 meal after 5 p.m.

"I try to keep my meals under $6," Farmer said.

Farmer and his roommate also shop at wholesale warehouses. "So if I need a meal," Farmer said, "I'll eat a protein bar or something."

For entertainment, he said, "I'm a dollar-movie guy all the way."

Farmer said he tries not to dip into his meager savings. He also won't ask his family for more financial assistance.

"I've got a brother and sister in college," Farmer said. "I've got them to think about, too. If I can skip a meal to help my family, that sacrifice is OK."

Still, Farmer said, he has no regrets. Nor is he envious of his teammates who are on scholarship and are allowed to eat training-table meals.

"It's worth it," Farmer said of the sacrifices to play football and attend school. "What am I doing here if it wasn't? I figure you've got to learn the value of a dollar at some point in your life.

"It's part of the experience," he added. "If you ask anybody with money, they all lived on macaroni and cheese at one point in their life."

Reach Stephen Tsai at stsai@honoluluadvertiser.com.