Periscope

Economy impacts college plans

Friday, April 20, 2012 By Sarah Lowe

The economy itself continues to get worse as time goes by. With that how does it affect students trying to go to post-secondary schooling? Taxes are rising continuously and jobs are becoming discreet. Families are going unemployed all around the country as we speak. Students constantly have to drop out of school or have to come up with a new dream for themselves, because of their family's reduced income. So many students are missing out on the opportunity to better their future through education. Is it mainly because of the economy we live in currently? Senior Zachary Lybrand gave his personal opinion. “I agree that it is the economy affecting students going to college, because their parent’s do not have enough money to send and support them to go to school.” Then there are those students who come from a very fortunate family and lifestyle. They have the parents who can send and support them to go to college. Is it fair that fortunate students have the opportunity to further their education over a student who is less fortunate? Senior Christopher Patridge explained his insight on the question. “There should be more of an opportunity for everyone. College is a lot for someone to miss out on and way too important. So no, it is not fair that the less fortunate have no way of going to college.” Student teacher Mrs. Gipe then gave her thoughts on the matter. “No it is not fair, because it should be the talented students who have the opportunity to go to college other than those who can simply afford it.” Since the economy won’t be improving in the near future, what could be some ways to help students have a better chance of going to college? Lybrand had a very logical answer. “Interest rates could be lowered.” Mrs. Gipe then gave another logical answer. “There should be more internship offered at the colleges so that a student can have the opportunity to work while going to school. Then they’ll be learning while they’re earning.” Many don’t know what to do with themselves if college is said to not be in the picture for them. Mrs. Gipe had this advice for students who are in that type of situation. “There’s the opportunity to work for college credits here at CHS. McCann School of Business has credits available for students here that take certain courses. Then there’s HACC; that is a very inexpensive community college to get into.” Students should explore all options for earning college degrees, even if the economy forces them to change their original plans.