First off, I want to say that this is not an article made to shove Bernie Sanders propaganda down your throat. I truly want to address the people who have indirectly called me, and thousands of others, lazy, brainwashed, or just asking for a handout just because they support Sanders.
To those who say I'm brainwashed.
I'm not, actually. I educate myself with various forms of media: debates, speeches, news interviews, articles, etc. You don't have to agree with what I say or believe, but don't undermine my intelligence.
To those who say I'm lazy.
Again, I'm not. I'm a sophomore in college, about to be junior, taking 18 credit hours this semester. I work two part time jobs at my university as a tutor and graphic designer. I've been working since I was 16. Plus, I'm writing these sweet articles for you guys every week now. Also, I'm a full time dog mom.
To those who say I'm just asking for a handout.
As I said above, I'm a full time student, I work, and I have a dog to take care of. I also want to point out that I'm paying for rent, food, and school supplies. I worked my ass off in high school so I could get scholarships too. I also get a heck of a lot for financial aid, and before you say anything, I did not grow up with a lavish lifestyle. I didn't even grow up with a steady lifestyle.
My parents got divorced when I was ten-years-old. Sometimes, the cable would get shut off. Along with the water and electricity. Sometimes, there wasn't any money for food. My mom worked three jobs. I don't blame them for my situation because they've done everything they can for me. Even with the money from my jobs, scholarships, and financial aid, I still have to take out loans. When I graduate, I'll be about $20,000 in debt, which isn't bad considering what others have to pay. My parents still support me, as well.
However, why should we have to pay so much? Going to school from kindergarten through 12th grade is the law and a right given to you, but higher education is a privilege? I don't think it should be. I know there's some of you who would also say that it would eliminate the incentive to do well, but do you really think someone would get hired or even get their degree if they didn't do well? They may not have to spend thousands of dollars, but they're still going to be stuck making a poverty wage until they get that degree-required job. Some of you may be thinking, You should have known college was expensive. Why did you go to college if you are just going to complain about how expensive it is?
Of course I knew all of the risks of going to college, but I don't want to live like I did anymore, and that's certainly not how I want my kids to grow up. If our society views a degree as a necessity than it shouldn't be priced as a luxury. This is much more than free stuff and laziness. There are people out there who want to better their lives with a little help.
Sanders' plan is attainable, you can read it all at berniesanders.com. He is not proposing to magically make college free, it's called tax apportionment. One last note, he is not going to raise taxes on the middle class. You can also see that at berniesanders.com.
