Looking back on it–and I don't mean to brag–but, I excelled in high school. I wasn't your typical science-y or mathematically inclined nerd–I was the book worm who studied hard and always handed assignments in on time... for the most part. I was a four year varsity athlete. I was a member of multiple clubs, two of which were honor societies. I took on a handful of leadership roles and involved myself in as many school activities as possible.

This dedication partly came from my passion for learning and helping people, for being part of a team effort, and for my school in general. But I'd be lying if I said that was the sole reason behind my studious manner. A lot of the work I put into my high school career was done so in hopes of someday having it returned to me–in the form of a college scholarship. As much as I wanted a scholarship as a way to validate my hard work, I knew that it was more than just a desirable prize. I needed a scholarship. I would not be able to afford most colleges without one, regardless of how many hours I spent working during the week, as either a cashier, a private tutor, or a babysitter.

I attended a state school for my first year of college, SUNY New Paltz, to be exact. Doing so saved me a lot of money. But, that doesn't mean I didn't feel the burden of my student loan, regardless.

And so, Excelsior Scholarship, this is where you come in. A few months ago, it was announced that New York State would be offering free tuition to all eligible students attending state universities. So, as an eligible student, of course I applied... and I got it. Just a few weeks ago, I was informed that I would be able to attend school tuition free starting this fall, stripping approximately $6,000 off of my cost of school each year. That adds up pretty quickly and by the end of my undergrad years, I will have saved nearly $20,000. As a student paying for her college tuition alone, that is a huge burden off of my shoulders.

Though Cuomo's plan was met with some controversy, it has opened doors for thousands of struggling middle-class families. In an economy in which a college education is absolutely necessary for success, it only makes sense that we do everything possible to make higher education more accessible to everyone. If the plan gains momentum, more and more students will be able to attend four-year universities, creating a larger population of educated adults entering the world post-graduation.

College still isn't free for me, but I can certainly feel the difference this scholarship has made. I doubt I speak alone when I say, "thank you" to this scholarship and "thank you" to New York State for implementing a program designed to lend a hand to people like me; people who couldn't afford private universities, didn't quite hit the mark for a full-ride scholarship, but still work hard, inside and outside of the classroom. Thank you lifting this little weight off of my back and for allowing me to once again look at school as a learning experience, rather than a monetary vacuum. Lastly, thank you for opening the doors to future college freshman, and allowing them to make the best of their college years without worrying so much about the debt piled up at the end of the journey. Though small, it is still a step towards making higher education accessible to all families.