Shawn J. Mayberry
We’ve seen the discouraging statistics. College debt is at historic levels. A recently released national study revealed the college completion gap is widening between low-income and wealthy students. Many are concerned that the federal student financial aid application, called FAFSA, is still too complicated, despite efforts to simplify it. A plan to provide free community college is hotly contested.
As the political debate continues to swirl about the best ways to make college more accessible and affordable, too many aspiring and deserving students are increasingly left to their own devices to find the best ways to get into — and through — college with minimal debt and fully prepared for career success.
I know it all too well.
As long as I can remember, I dreamed of going to college. I knew the doors of opportunity that a degree would open. Unfortunately, my dream was deferred in 2005 when my mother passed away and I was forced to put my plans on hold. Then I was faced with the daunting task of figuring out how to pay for college while curbing my debt and succeeding academically.
So, how can policymakers, university leaders, employers and parents ensure students — regardless of their circumstances — who have the potential and the desire to go to college are empowered to succeed? We have to set a better example about the importance of higher education.
Demonstrating value
