Yesi's Voice
How have increased tuition fees impacted you and your family?:
Increased in tuition fees has impacted me in many ways.
Instead of graduating in four years I am graduating in five. Thank God it is my last semester at SF State, but I am worried about my future about furthering my education because I do not want to owe the government any sort of money! My family, my brother and sister's future. If they end up wishing for higher education, will that even be something to wish for?
I am the first in my family to attend College. I am a proud first generation at SFSU. And I am a woman of color. I am a Citizen of the US, and I dont even have MEDICAL INSURANCE! Its too expensive! I am low-income!
Things are getting tougher and tougher not only by my identity, but also the resources are getting cut.
Financial aid has decreased. Imagine how much harder it is for undocumented students! People come to the US hoping for better lives, a better/quality education. But in reality it is all going downhill at the moment.
Can you please help in advocating for higher education, and to STOP THE TUITION INCREASE/BUDGET CUTS! WE ARE THE FUTURE OF AMERICA. No one else can say that but us who live in this nation.
I was hoping to move after all this madness that is going on after I graduate. But you know what? I know there's a group of people who will make politicians change their minds.
Now I plan to stay here and fight those who dont understand how tough it is for first generation students like me!
Thank you for reading what I had to say. I can say a lot more, but I rather not scare you.
What are you studying at SF State and what do you hope to do once you graduate?:
I am double majoring in BECA & Latino/a Studies.
I hope to promote higher education further in my community. We are the growing population and there's a need to foster those who don't have resources available to them.
I am interested in many other things, I hope to look into the Public Healthcare system. I also want to see if I may be able to study abroad to refine my Spanish. Seeing that it will expand my opportunities in my future.
I do want to end up working with the government or sitting in any governmental position. I believe I can say more than they can right now because I truly believe what struggle means. Very many in power actually actually act like they do, but they truly dont.
As the VP External Affairs this year 2011-2012, I learned a lot from minimal perspective as to how government/politics works. So I somewhat understand what politicians go through but when it comes to public higher education vs. the prison system, are you kidding? Students are the future. Prison buildings will always be there, and it seems more are being constructed! But if they're worried about the future economy then it starts with us! If their priority is to help California residents, how can they for sure prove that building prisons will aid our peoples futures? Its like saying most of these Californians will end up in Prison because of the poor quality education, or because they dont believe in our communities future!
Yesi ., 22 Oakland, CA.
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