School Rant

I find myself always complaining about school whether it's about a stupid professor or being overloaded with insane amount of work. But if I had to choose all over again I'd still pick going to University for further education.

I appreciate all the facilities and services the University offers its students and I'm really enjoying my time in school even with the unbelievable work pressure I go through sometimes. But yesterday I got an invoice for next year's tuition and it has gotten up yet again, and I no longer have a scholarship. Mind you I have no problems paying it (thanks Mom and Dad) but it got me thinking about those who aren't as fortunate as I am.

To pay close to $6000 is a lot of money for school tuition. Add to that books and other school supplies along with other basic purchases and the total can be too much for a student. And of course let's not forget about rent which is never cheap, even on campus. Education is a valuable asset and should be accessible to as many people as possible. Taking a loan is an option, but re-paying it isn't always easy, and you end up in a bigger mess if you're even slightly late. I'm not suggesting that school be free, but maybe all those "Lower Tuition" campaigns should get stronger and have a heard voice.

I've met so many students who have wasted a few years from their lives just to be able to save money for tuition, because they simply cannot afford it. There has to be a solution, whether it's to lower tuition or supplying more assistance to students in need.

I love going to school, through the good and bad it's an unbelievable experience. An experience every person should be given a chance to experience.

As a sidenote, I thought I should give my school some credit. University of Ottawa has just waived all undergraduate tuition fees for dependents of the Canadian military personnel who were killed while serving their country. Click here for more details. I'm proud that uOttawa is taking this step, I'm not sure if other schools are already implementing this but if they are I salute them as well.