OP-ED: Why Student Loans Should Be Forgiven

Let’s focus here people. We need to look at the bigger picture when it comes to education. Changes will need to be made at all levels, not just changed for those of us that got hit by the loan-system and regret it after the fact.

There needs to be a stronger, longer-lasting solution to getting an education. Loans should be more difficult to receive. Scholarships should be more strongly encouraged. Going for higher education should not be treated as a privilege, it should be far more difficult to obtain.

We should encourage those who want to go into a trade profession to start in the work world and get their training on the job- not spend thousands of dollars to take a couple of bull— “required” classes like “ analytical reasoning” or “astronomy” and party on the weekend.

Students should not feel as though they are a failure if they don’t go to college immediately after High School. Most 17 and 18 year old’s do not have enough real world experience to know what they want to do as a profession. All they have known is 12 years of Math, English, and basic sciences. So gap years to study abroad or have an actual job before college could be incredibly beneficial in helping students choose majors that are worth their money.

High School guidance counselors should also have stronger conversations with their students about college, and especially the realities of debt. There should be far more career guidance than there is in high schools. All of this will help future American students to feel more comfortable with their debt if they wind up with it.

These are just a few suggestions I have in changing our mentality and the way we talk about college to prevent future generations from being stuck in the position that many of us are in right now. Having our debt lifted would be a great way to restart and refuel the American way, however, lets make sure that we don’t repeat history, as we so often do.

OH. and on a side-note.

Dear Freakonomics:

I AM A COLLEGE GRAD AND I GET PAID $10/HR. MY BROTHER IS STILL IN HIGH SCHOOL AND MAKES $10/HR AT HIS JOB. I DIDN’T NEED TO GO TO COLLEGE TO MAKE THAT WAGE.

Thanks,
Disgruntled College Graduate.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE ORIGINAL NE POST ARTICLE THAT SPARKED THE OUTRAGE.

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3. The Student Perspective: Committee Begins Search for New Chancellor of UMass Amherst
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5. Governor Patrick Visits Springfield’s First Innovation School; Welcomes Students Back

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