Student Voices {Support Public Higher Education}

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Monica's Voice

 

How have increased tuition fees impacted you and your family?:
Going to college has always been my goal in life. Once I was accepted to San Francisco State, it was a bittersweet feeling. I was ecstatic to have the opportunity to go to a wonderful university. On the other hand, I knew my family and I could not afford it. Like many other students in California, I had to take out three loans in order to study. Even choosing the least expensive options, I know I will be paying off my loans for many, many years after I graduate. When I found out that tuition fees increased, I began to lose hope. I was planning on toughing out the four years until I got my degree and paying off all of my loans, including my parent loan because my parents cannot afford it either. However, now that fees have increased in the past year and are planning to increase in the future, I am almost forced into leaving my dream school, San Francisco State University, to go back home and attend a community college because there is just no way my family and I can afford to send me through school at this rate. Even working two jobs and doing any service work I can get, I can only afford to pay not even half of one years fees at SFSU. I do not want to risk my future, and all the hard work I've put into the past to getting where I am now, just because I cannot afford to go to school. This is a sad change of plans for all of my future aspirations.

 

What are you studying at SF State and what do you hope to do once you graduate?:
I am currently undeclared but I plan on entering the business program to earn a degree in business management with a minor in international relations. I hope to one day become part of a non-profit organization or business that provides aid to other countries, such as the Red Cross.

 

Monica R., 18 Oakdale

 

 

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