Elizabeth's Voice
How have increased tuition fees impacted you and your family?:
I am a married woman returning to school in pursuit of a new career (nursing) as a result of a recent job loss in the mortgage lending industry. Making lifestyle modifications has been necessary to accommodate my methodical decision to seek higher education (i.e. foreclosing our home, filing bankruptcy, trading in our new cars for used ones to avoid monthly payments, and moving into the city for more job opportunities).
Because I am married and file joint taxes, I am ineligible for grants, but not student loans. The amount provided by student loans ($12,500/yr) is barely enough to cover tuition, books, supplies, and supplements (especially high in the nursing department), and certainly insufficient to cover living expenses.
In that respect, I am fortunate enough to have financial support from my husband.... a tight budget that does not allow for unexpected expenses.
What are you studying at SF State and what do you hope to do once you graduate?:
I am studying nursing at SFSU. I am currently an undergrad. Upon graduation, I intend to join the Air Force and receive tuition reimbursement upon completing six years of service, while attaining a Masters Degree as a Family Nurse Practitioner. After the Air Force, I have goals of attaining my PhD in critical care nursing education.
I have a great passion for nursing and for education. I have a wonderful support group and the determination to succeed. The only thing that I could imagine being an obstacle, maybe even a road block, would be tuition fee increases. The higher I continue my education, the more expensive it will be. The question always on my mind is "will I end up owing more than my future salary?"
Elizabeth E., 28 San Francisco, Ca
Share this story:
