Barriers to Entry

[angrychair]

Being from poor or lower middle class, I didn't need to be taught anymore about how to "value" what I had, I had very little to start with. I valued food. Transportation. Shelter.
When a poorer person is in school, that is what they are thinking about: what cheap 'food' can I eat today, got to catch the bus on time or I hope my car starts one more time today and I hope they haven't turned the lights off yet for not paying the bill so I can study.

The problem is that "good meaning" people seem to want to teach poorer people a lesson.
Saying "here get an education, by the way, here is some soul-crushing debt to go with it. It will teach you to value your education" or "here, get an education, by the way, I am going to make you work 10 hours a week for free, on top of everything else in your life, for that privilege. It will teach you to value your education"
Amazing, poorer people are supposed scrape and humble themselves but if you win the sperm and egg lottery, you deserve it and no additional pound of flesh needed.
It always a barrier of one kind or the other. Its just a little thing, with a hundred other little things. As people like me trip and stumble down the rocky road of life, the rich and elite have a smooth paved road.
Poor people don't want to be "given" anything, they just want as problem free a path from K through 12 as wealthy people. Schools that are not falling apart, good teachers, enough teachers and enough equipment. A decent breakfast and lunch for those that cannot afford it. It could be the only good meal they get all day. Nothing more or less than the public schools of upper-middle class and wealthy kids.
Then to have the chance to go to college and suceed like any other upper-middle class or wealthier child. They want to earn it it through their hard work and grades in high school and SAT and ACT scores. An equal ability to go to all colleges, anywhere in the US, regardless of ability to pay, without soul-crushing debt.

Even elite colleges in Europe only cost $3,000 to 9,000 a year for home and EU members. Even this is more affordable than our current structure.

Background post I did yesterday: http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511149336

[H2O Man]

1. Recommended.

I grew up in poverty. Most of my adult life, I did okay financially. But, now that I'm retired, I'm poor again. Those who have never experienced poverty really have no idea what it's like. But, the direction that our country is headed in, increases the chances that they will find out.

[Armstead]

2. You know, College costs have been kind of abstract to me

I went to college in the 70's and I had a whopping $1500 student loan from a private college. My father paid it off right away to get it off my back and I paid him back over time.

The thought that today it is an affordable luxury for so many -- including middle class kids -- was something that has botehred me, but in that detached way we relate to issues that donlt affect us personally.

However, your posts have made it hit home.

[shraby]

3. I know where you're coming from. I couldn't afford college back when it was not anywhere

near the burden it is today.
It was just a dream, unattainable from where I sat.