As a high school student, most of my life right now revolves around learning and creating. I’m heavily involved in extracurriculars like TSA, FBLA, Game Jams, and Hackathons—any space where I can code, build applications, or challenge myself with new ideas. Technology is something I genuinely enjoy, and I’m already thinking ahead about what it will take to build the kind of future I want.
My goals are pretty straightforward: I want a stable job, and I want to be able to retire by the time I’m 50. I know that’s ambitious, but I also know it’s realistic if I start early, stay focused, and get the right education. That’s one reason higher education matters to me. A degree makes you look more qualified, gives you an edge in a job market that feels worse every year, and opens the door to opportunities that would otherwise be much harder to reach.
College itself, though, doesn’t feel affordable. Even from where I stand—someone who hasn’t started college yet—the prices look overwhelming. Tuition, housing, food, transportation…it adds up fast.
Guaranteeing the first two years of community or technical college would be huge—not just for me, but for almost everyone I know. It would take a massive weight off students’ shoulders. The financial burden of college affects people long before they ever set foot on a campus, and knowing that at least the first two years are covered would make higher education feel possible for so many more students.
When it comes to basic needs—housing, food, transportation, childcare—I’ve heard a lot of stories about how much people struggle. I haven’t used wraparound services myself, and I’m not familiar with the benefit hubs system at my school, but I believe expanding these services would make a real difference. Less stress means more focus, and more students who currently feel blocked by money could actually continue their education.
In the end, I’m still early in my journey. I’m focused on learning, building, and preparing for a future in tech. But even from where I stand, it’s clear how much financial barriers and basic needs impact students’ ability to succeed. With cost-free college and better wraparound support, so many more people would be able to pursue their goals—not just the ones who can afford it, but the ones who work hard and deserve the chance.