I just read this article in this week’s Time magazine and I thought it would be interesting for you to read and think about. I think you should forward it to your parents as well. Student loans have changed the way students go to school- both in positive and negative ways. On the one hand they allow for more students to have access, but the dark side of them are explored in this article. A must read for all of you that are going to college next year and don’t have the luxury of being a part of the 1%.
Apparently- The link doesn’t work, so I posted the article to each separate page at the top. Click on 12 Honors or AP Lang to view the full article.
All the best,
Mr. B
Advertisement
October 26th, 2011 at 11:39 pm
I think the best solution for students is to really search colleges that aren’t too expensive, and that they can prosper in. The protest by college graduates is moving but any kind of change for student loans will take some time. As for the college grads they probably will just have to grind it out until they get a good opportunity to repay their debt.
October 28th, 2011 at 2:16 am
This article just reenforces my bad-college-related-thoughts where I start to question whether completing high school with flying colors (let alone with S/T honors) is even worth it. These bad economic times are just stressful and demotivating to everyone. I don’t see how the economy could be improved by the graduating class if they pour all this money into get a good education and are unable to pay it back because there are no jobs. What is the point of stacking on loads of interest over time when there is nothing coming in to offset it? I’m going to stop complaining now because this could go on for pages. ^_^”
October 28th, 2011 at 4:51 am
That’s true but I feel like students should not have to base their college search on finding schools that are inexpensive because regardless college costs. In-state schools tend to be the cheapest but then that would hinder students from being able to get away from home and experience a different environment. There are not many ways to get around student loan debts. Of course it will take time for change but I think it will be worth it because this is a growing issue.
January 15th, 2012 at 11:18 pm
Under “What’s Your Major,” the author points out that students are majoring in subjects they aren’t likely to get jobs in. He says we need more math and science majors. Isn’t the problem also the solution? Encourage students to go into math and science! I know that it’s not this simple but it should be a step in the right direction. It’s kind of manipulative but if it’s helping people get jobs, then we shouldn’t complain. When I was in elementary school, our band needed more trumpets. When the band instructor talked to our grade, she encouraged us to try the trumpet. She made it sound really cool so I signed up to play the trumpet…me and 20 other kids. I hated the trumpet. I later switched to the clarinet, but I’m still grateful for the experience I got on both instruments. Another example of encouragement is Cash For Clunkers. The auto industry needed some help so the government paid people for their environmentally unsafe cars so that they would go buy new ones.
One of my history teachers was a firm believer that history repeats itself. Taking this approach, shouldn’t we look towards our past for a solution to today’s problems? During the Great Depression, what did the government do to raise employment? Can’t we try something similar?
This was a really good article. I think it should be required reading in all senior English classes.