I have always prided myself on being someone who always sees the good in others and also expects them to do the right thing. I have also been a firm believer in our country's educational assistance and, to a lesser degree, our welfare programs. In theory, I feel that we ought to help provide for those who cannot provide for themselves.
However, now that I work at a community college, I see and hear things that cause me to question my previous beliefs in humanity and assistance programs. For example, I visited with a student who is a single mom and wanted me to help her set up her school schedule for the fall. She asked me if she could apply for a student loan. I told her that she already qualified for a Pell grant, and that it would cover her school expenses. She then told me that she wanted the loan to cover her living expenses. I asked her if she planned on working at all, to which she replied, "If I work part time, my government benefits will go way down. It's not worth it for me to work at all."
This situation angers me for a few different reasons: 1) This particular student was not performing well in most of her classes and will likely not graduate, 2) The government is paying her to fail college, and 3) The government is also paying her to not work.
So, while I am repaying thousands of dollars of student loan debt in addition to working for a state-funded institution, hundreds of other students are being paid to go to school. This in and of itself would not upset me, except many of these students are just taking classes so they can receive Pell grants and other forms of student aid. It seems just a little unfair.
Taking all of this into account, I still try to give students the benefit of the doubt. I am not in their shoes, and may not fully understand their situation. However, if the government really wants to stimulate the economy, forgive some student loan debt--especially for those of us that are productive members of society--instead of just paying thousands of students to take classes, but not receive an education.
Well said, Christina. It's amazing the in and outs of how the government works...that those who are careless about their education, and treading in the ditch, instead of moving forward and progressing, are getting funds that a lot of us can't get, but would love to have.
ReplyDeleteVery frustrating, but with something like this, I have to just let it go.
Thank you for your sweet comment, Christina. I have always liked you, and I know I don't know you very well, but I don't doubt that you have a sweet and loving heart. :)
I hope you're enjoying your new job otherwise all of the little things that can get you down!
Thank you, Lindsay! I actually love my job a lot (even with the little things that get me down). I love reading the inspiring things that you post on your blog and I like you, too! You are just a quality person...I can tell :)
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