An average day for a college student:
- 7:00 a.m.: Wake up to start the day.
- 7:15 a.m.: Review the day’s schedule.
- 7:30 a.m.: Head to the first job. The morning shift.
- 10:00 a.m.: Rush back to the dorm for a quick change.
- 10:15 a.m.: Attend the first class of the day.
- 11:30 a.m.: Rush across campus for the second class.
- 12:30 p.m.: Attend the second class and try to actively participate.
- 1:30 p.m.: Lunch break – Contemplate if I have enough meal swipes or money for food. Dining hall? Market run? No food at all?
- 2:20 p.m.: Rush to third class.
- 2:30 p.m.: Attend the third class and try to focus on academic responsibilities.
- 3:30 p.m.: Engage in some homework or assignments before the next class.
- 4:00 p.m.: Rush across campus again for the fourth class.
- 4:05 p.m.: Attend the fourth class and try to participate actively.
- 6:00 p.m.: Head to the work-study job.
- 9:00 p.m.: Finish work-study job and take the streetcar to the part-time job.
- 11:00 p.m.: Complete part-time job responsibilities.
- 11:30 p.m.: Return to the dorm and start preparing a quick dinner.
- 12:00 a.m.: Eat and unwind for a second.
- 12:30 a.m.: Begin studying or working on assignments.
- 1:00 a.m.: Finish academic work and prepare for the next day.
- 2:00 a.m.: Wind down, get ready for bed, and sleep.
Repeat.
The day of a full-time job student unfolds as a tightly choreographed dance, where every moment is accounted for. From the early morning shift to late-night study sessions, our lives are a testament to our resilience and determination.
But this relentless pursuit of education while navigating the demands of employment takes a toll on our well-being.
Obtaining a degree is already a full-time job and an expensive one.
Many students juggle up to four jobs just to make ends meet. We barely have time to study, let alone enjoy the college experience, which is supposed to be the best time of our lives.
While we diligently attend classes, the energy expended on work responsibilities often leaves us exhausted before the start of our school day. We have to rush from one commitment to another, creating a perpetual state of fatigue. It’s a juggling act to keep good academic standing, maintain work responsibilities, and try to have a personal life.
The burden of exorbitant tuition fees and living expenses often forces students into the workforce to make ends meet. It is high time for both government bodies and compassionate donors to recognize this struggle and extend a helping hand.
The upcoming Capital Campaign, with contributions from the Alumni Association, may just be the hope we need.
Their engagement could be instrumental in rallying donors to alleviate the financial burdens on students. Gifts to support scholarships, tailoring support to meet the needs of our student body.
Receiving unrestricted donations would allow the school to decide how to enhance student life. The possibility of scholarships can allow students to have a financial burden lifted off their shoulders and get the full benefits of their education instead of merely focusing on how to pay for it.
The solution relies not only on recognizing the struggles but also on taking concrete steps toward financial support.
With the help of generous donations, we can pave the way for a future where every student has the opportunity to excel without sacrificing their well-being. It’s time to transform the silent struggle into a call for support.
Students need empathy and greater financial support, not only to make it through college but thrive and enjoy the college experience.
