My name is Sanika Kabbur and I am a sophomore at Bothell High School. My favorite subjects in school are history and science. I’m interested in political science and I hope to work in the US government someday and become an elected official.
Regarding the affordability of college, I find it quite challenging. It’s often not affordable, even if
you’re in the middle class. Merit scholarships can be tough to get and are very competitive. Need-based scholarships are available for lower-income families, but they can be hard to access and often don’t cover all expenses. My brother is currently a freshman in college, and the costs are significant. Besides tuition, there are expenses for housing, transportation, and other essentials.
It’s not just the tuition; there are many additional costs that add up. The idea of making the first two years of college cost-free would be a huge step forward. It could encourage more students to pursue higher education and reduce the financial burden on families.
I care about free college because I want to invest in my future. Many wraparound services can prevent students from being able to study. And as a fresh adult, many high schoolers don’t have the financial skills to manage their money. Having two years of their education covered, not only encourages students to pursue higher education but also to have the time to earn scholarships, focus on their education, and adjust to college life without worrying about their tuition cost. Free education shouldn’t end at high school, we need to support students who want to get a degree but are unable to do so. College and education shouldn’t be a luxury.
Sanika Kabbur, Bothell