Amidst the budget crisis, mid-level schools across Illinois were hurting. The financial revenue that was promised to them was withheld because of an irresponsible power move by Governor Rauner. For 3 years, the threat of closure loomed over Chicago State University. With this upcoming election, how our state government will make or break the education possibilities for 4,000 students here and many more across Illinois.

As I reach the end of my first year here, I have been able to fully grasp how the school was affected. Over the winter we had pipes break, student enrollment number had fallen sharply and a lack of urgency by parts of the administration to address these problems.

There is hope though. In the midst of a social awakening within the black community, we have seen more students realize the importance of an education and an environment where we can minimize the incidents we would face at a primarily white institution. Construction on campus has resumed in much-needed areas and student enrollment has risen for two semesters straight.

One significant step the university has made is to rehaul our basketball program. Both teams have consistently been amongst the worst in Division 1 and have have set records in futility. With a new administration within the athletic department coming, we can expect for them to realize the importance of athletic revenue to a university.

During the course of this week, we are holding elections for a new student government and hosting a forum for the candidates of the university’s presidency. Having a student government that will hold those responsible accountable is important in a university and will be vital for the success of Chicago State. Finding administrative leadership is equally important for new projects and fundraising for the university as we progress further into the 21st century.

To those in high school who might stumble across this article, Chicago State is a place that needs bright and forward thinking individuals of all ethnicities. No other school in the city represents the principles on which it was founded on. Hardwork and a toughness that runs generations deep. Chicago State is here and we’re ready for the future.