Finial intervention Marina Sourial

 

Name: Marina Sourial

Professor: Doris Cacoilo

Date: 11/29/2023

ART 263 

 

The Tuition Dilemma: Exploring the Challenges of Educational Debt and Employment Prospects in the United States. Why do you think students should pay tuition, however after they graduate from their major they still don't get the job they are looking for and they have to work another job in order to pay for their loans.

In the United States, the imperative for students to pay tuition for their education is a widely debated issue. Beyond the initial financial hurdle, graduates often face difficulties in finding suitable employment, sometimes resorting to additional jobs to make ends meet. This essay delves into the interconnected challenges of tuition fees, student debt, and the complexities of securing employment in the aftermath of education.

Rising Tuition Costs: The escalating costs of tuition in the United States have become a significant barrier for many students seeking higher education. Public and private institutions alike have witnessed considerable increases in tuition fees over the years, outpacing inflation and wage growth. This financial burden can leave graduates grappling with substantial student loan debt.

Student Loan Debt Crisis: As tuition costs soar, students increasingly rely on loans to finance their education. The student loan debt crisis in the United States has reached staggering proportions, creating a financial strain that graduates carry into their post-education lives. The burden of repaying loans affects career choices, financial stability, and the ability to invest in other aspects of life.

Impact on Career Choices: Graduates burdened with significant student loan debt may find themselves compelled to prioritize immediate financial stability over pursuing their ideal career paths. High-paying jobs, often in sectors unrelated to their field of study, become appealing as a means of managing debt. This compromises the ability of individuals to align their professional choices with their passions and educational pursuits.

Competitive Job Market: The job market in the United States is highly competitive, with employers seeking candidates with specific skills and experiences. Graduates, especially those from non-STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, may face challenges in finding employment that aligns with their educational background. The discrepancy between available jobs and the skills acquired in traditional educational settings contributes to this mismatch.

Underemployment and Multiple Jobs: Many graduates find themselves underemployed, working in positions that do not require a degree or provide the salary necessary to repay student loans. Additionally, some individuals take on multiple jobs to cope with financial pressures, leading to increased stress and potentially hindering their ability to dedicate time and energy to building a career in their chosen field.

Evolving Job Market Dynamics: The rapidly changing nature of the job market, influenced by technological advancements and shifting industry demands, further complicates the employment landscape. Graduates may face difficulties adapting their skills to meet the evolving needs of employers, exacerbating the challenge of securing meaningful and stable employment.

Conclusion: The nexus between rising tuition costs, student loan debt, and challenges in securing suitable employment creates a multifaceted dilemma for graduates in the United States. Addressing this issue requires a holistic approach that encompasses tuition reform, increased investment in career-oriented education, and policies that support graduates in managing and repaying student loans. Striking a balance between accessible education, meaningful employment opportunities, and financial sustainability is essential to ensure that the pursuit of knowledge does not become a barrier to a fulfilling and economically stable future. 

Kimberly's Story: Kimberly's narrative reflects the struggles outlined in the essay, as she faced financial difficulties and had to take a loan to afford her education. Her experience resonates with the broader student loan debt crisis, emphasizing the challenges graduates encounter in managing their financial obligations. Kimberly's perseverance in working during her studies mirrors the broader theme of graduates resorting to additional jobs to make ends meet. Her ability to overcome these difficulties and achieve success underscores the essay's emphasis on addressing challenges for a fulfilling and economically stable future.

I couldn't enroll in classes for the fall semester due to financial holds on my account. I took on the maximum number of work-study hours and petitioned for a private loan to support myself. page 13

 In the given quote, financial constraints posed a significant hurdle for Drew, preventing her from joining college until the outstanding amount was settled. Consequently, she had to simultaneously work and study while also resorting to a loan. This situation adds undue pressure on students, as the available financial aid may not cover the entirety of the course expenses, leaving a portion to be personally funded. This, in turn, necessitates employment to avoid late fines and meet financial obligations.

To mitigate these challenges, it is imperative to explore additional avenues of financial assistance, such as flexible installment plans that alleviate the burden of paying late fines. Furthermore, addressing the issue of loans is crucial, considering the long-term impact of interest payments upon graduation. The current system demands repayment for funds that students may not directly benefit from, creating a financial burden that persists for years, hindering the realization of academic success. Therefore, there is a need for a more comprehensive and accessible support system that ensures students can pursue their education without being unduly encumbered by financial barriers.

In my life, I have made a point of telling stories of triumph. I have had to fight so many battles to succeed  page 27

One possible interpretation could be related to the financial aspect of education. Pursuing education often involves costs such as tuition fees, books, and other expenses. The battles mentioned in the quote might include financial struggles to afford education. In this context, the triumph could be overcoming financial barriers to achieve educational success. Another perspective is that education is an investment in oneself. The quote may imply that the speaker has invested time, effort, and possibly money in their education, and the triumphs are the positive outcomes of that investment. The battles mentioned could also refer to overcoming obstacles in accessing education. In some cases, individuals may face challenges related to socioeconomic factors that affect their ability to pursue education. The triumphs could represent successful navigation through these challenges.