Higher education is going through a lot of changes right now, and for students like me, it’s hard not to feel the impact. Costs are rising, financial aid policies are shifting, and access to education feels more uncertain. As a Latina in the Running Start Program, attending both South Puget Sound Community College and Olympia High School, I’ve always seen education as a way to open doors. However, getting through those doors isn’t always easy, especially with the changes happening under a new administration. I see this, now more than ever, after starting as a Student Legislative Intern at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges.
Right now, one of the biggest concerns is the possibility of dismantling the Department of Education. This raises a lot of questions about what will happen to federal student loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid that so many students rely on. If the federal government steps back from overseeing education, will states step up so students still have access to the support they need? And if they don’t, what does that mean for students from low-income backgrounds who are already struggling to afford college? These aren’t just policy discussions; they directly impact students who are trying to plan their futures.
For students like me, the uncertainty is stressful. College is already expensive, and many depend on financial aid to even make it possible. Without any clear answers on what’s changing, it’s hard to know how to prepare. Will student loan repayment plans become stricter? Will fewer people qualify for aid? Will community colleges and public universities lose funding and have to raise tuition? These are the kinds of concerns that make higher education feel even more like an uphill battle.
At the same time, this isn’t exactly new, students have always had to push through challenges. The reality is higher education has never been equally accessible to everyone. First-generation students, students of color, and those from low-income backgrounds have always had to figure things out, work harder, and advocate for themselves in ways that others often don’t. If policies change and make things harder, students will still find ways to move forward, because that’s what we’ve always done.
I believe one of the most important things right now is to stay informed and use the resources available. Higher education organizations, from the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges to local institutes like SPSCC, are still working to support students. I’m proud to say that at SPSCC, scholarships, grants, and alternative funding options are still out there, even if they might look a little different soon. Students also need to stay involved in education policy. The decisions being made right now will affect not just current students but also future generations, and it’s important to push for policies that keep education accessible.
Despite all the uncertainty, education is still one of the most valuable things a person can have. It’s the key to better opportunities, financial stability, and the chance for growth. Even when policies shift and challenges appear, giving up isn’t an option. Students have always been resilient, and no matter what happens at the federal level, that won’t change. The fight for education is worth it, and those of us who believe in its value won’t stop pushing forward.
