College experience becoming constricted

by Courtney Ortega, editorial assistant

After reading two of the opinion pieces in the last issue of the Plainsman Press, one over the newly-instated six-course drops policy and another over the rising cost of college tuition, it came to me that in today’s day and age we are no longer encouraging young America to succeed.

We are limiting them, limiting them from a future of opportunities in country built on the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It has never been a surprise to anyone that the cost of college tuition is well beyond the incomes of most. However, as the rates of tuition continue to skyrocket, the average annual cost for those attending a public college or university is $12,841 as reported by www.CNNMoney.com. Many are finding themselves left out of the 63 percent who proceed to college after high school graduation (Public High School Graduation and College-Readiness Rates, 2006).

 Though that percentage seems quite high, considering that 60 percent of high school students did not graduate this past spring because of not having passed all or part of the Texas Assessment of Knowledge Skills (TAKS) test, it is quickly cut in half. Studies show that more than half of those who go on to college eventually are forced to quit within one to two years because of the financial load.

Many say that this is exactly what financial aid was designed for. Yet even for those who actually happen to qualify for aid or receive scholarships, it still only removes a small portion of the burden. I hate to even use the word “burden” as I type this, because attending college should not be considered a burden, but an opportunity. Yet it seems that that is exactly what is has come to.

When it comes to the new bill involving a limit to the amount of dropped classes a student may have, I find myself torn. I deeply understand the state’s reasoning when passing this bill. Not only does it promote a sense of responsibility that students should have, but it also attempts to put a stop to wasted money, some of which is provided not by the student, but by the state and government through financial aid. Yet I can’t help but remember the words of Debra Orman, secretary to the vice president of finance and administration, when I interviewed her for last issue’s “Man On the Street” feature. She said, “College is a learning experience, and when you limit students to six classes, it’s a limitation that not all of them can live up to.” 

That is true. While some are capable of excelling, others lag behind, not always because of a lack of motivation, but because of a lesser ability to comprehend. While I believe that the state was trying to work in the best of interest of both parties when passing the legislation, I feel that, yet again, like the TAKS, they forgot to think of the limits they put upon Texas students with these rules.

So, yes, I know colleges need money to continue to keep up with the expenses, and I understand the need for and message of the dropped classes’ policy. Yet I can’t help but remember, as I sit in class, all those who would love to be in my position, those who wished to better themselves by furthering their education but were held back either due to the TAKS or finances. Then, I think of all those, a year or two from now, who inevitably will give up on the idea of college once they have exceeded their drops limit and must start all over.

It seems that, in today’s society, finishing college is not just a part of life, but it is a great feat. I just continue to hope that one day, hopefully soon, all will be able to feel that triumph and not just ponder what it might have been like.