Going To College Shouldn't Be About How Much Money You Have | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Going To College Shouldn't Be About How Much Money You Have

Sometimes it seems like the sky is only the limit if you can afford to pay the entrance fee to the clouds.

76
Going To College Shouldn't Be About How Much Money You Have
https://az616578.vo.msecnd.net/files/2017/10/06/636428459230947591-1936028694_1005172015a.jpg

If you're in college, chances are that you apply for some form of financial aid each year. Maybe it comes in the form of a federal grant or loan, or maybe it comes in the form of an academic scholarship. Maybe you receive some help from your family. Maybe you work to pay for your education. Even with all of the various options and strategies, many college students struggle with the precarious weight of the financial burden. There's a constant battle between the desire to pursue your dreams and the obligation to produce significant amounts of money in order to do so. Your dreams are not free; there is always a price to pay. Do you ever wonder how many dreams are squandered because people can't afford to go to college? The answer: too many.

Throughout their school years, children are often told by parents and teachers that they can be anyone or do anything they want if they have enough dedication. Children grow up with the illusion that, although there are obstacles in life, those obstacles do not have the power to stop them. While I wish that were true, it is not; money is often the deciding factor in many of life's decisions, and unfortunately, that includes school. So when it comes time to apply to colleges, there is a revelation that sometimes dedication is not enough to get what you want.

But imagine if dedication were enough to get you what you want. What if all you needed to achieve your dreams was the will to do so? What if everyone who wanted to go to college was able to? If higher education were funded by the government, like public primary and secondary schools are, then this fantasy could become a reality. I know it wouldn't be a simple undertaking. Inevitably, there would be much controversy and debate concerning the methods that would be used to garner this funding. Someone might propose an increase in taxes. The idea of a tax increase would make many people uneasy, but I think it would be worth it if it were done fairly and correctly. Think of it as an investment in society; if more people were able to continue their education, there would be more people who would be able to fulfill their potential and create positive change. Readily-available and easily-accessible education would bring power and influence to more of the people and provide them with more opportunities to make their voices heard.

It is also worth mentioning the personal benefits that would arise from the government funding of higher education. There would be less financial burdens for students to carry, and as a result, there would be less stress. Students would be able to devote more time and focus on their studies, enabling them to do better academically. Maybe some students would have more opportunities to invest in priceless life experiences, such as travel, that would provide further education to supplement what they learn in school. Academic growth would be a more attainable goal, and finding a job with a substantial salary would be much easier.

As an aspiring educator, it seems obvious to me that students should not be obligated to bear financial burdens in order to get an education. There's just so much potential that is not being realized because of the hardships that come with the college process. If I ever have children, I do not want to have to tell them, "You can't go to college because we don't have enough money." There are people who have to do this, who have to say this to their children. And while it is possible to get through college with academic scholarships, many families still struggle despite this. I don't want to continue seeing students on the verge of giving up because of money. Everyone deserves a truly equal opportunity to pursue education.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

2863
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

449352
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

21600
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Moana's Top 10 Life Tips

"Moana" is filled with life lessons that involve far more than finding true love as many other Disney movies do.

44619
Animated image of a woman with long dark hair and tattoos
StableDiffusion

1. It's easy to be fooled by shiny things.

Digital image of shiny gemstones in cased in gold. shiny things StableDiffusion

Tamatoa created a liar filled with shiny things simply for the purpose of tricking fish to enter and become his food. He too experiences a lesson in how easy it is to be tricked by shiny things when Moana distracts him by covering herself in glowing algae so Maui can grab his hook.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments