This is a letter submitted to the editor of the Dakota Student that has yet to be published. We will see if it ever makes it into print.....
Welcome to UND, our fine institution of higher learning. While pursuit of post-secondary education is a distinct privilege we enjoy in this country, I say to you, it is not an entitlement.
In Michelle Obama’s address to the Democratic National Convention given August 25, 2008 she says, “[My dad] and my mom poured everything they had into me and Craig….thanks to their faith and hard work, we both were able to go on to college. So I know firsthand from their lives-and mine-that the American Dream endures.”
There is no substitute for hard work and dedication. Why then, does Barack Obama propose a tax credit of $4,000 to basically everyone going to college when his wife is so proud of her parents’ hard work that put her and her brother through college? Avenues are already in existence that will allow anyone with ample fortitude to seek a college education. Having some student loans after college or a few years of a military commitment upon graduation can easily be viewed as motivating factors for working towards a successful career.
There is no fear of failure or loss when you are gambling with someone else’s money. Unless there is some accountability for this money, there will be even more failing freshmen that don’t know how valuable the education they are receiving really is. Classrooms are already overcrowded and professors are overworked. Why should we burden them with more underachievers that delay learning for the rest of us? Now if the University expands to accommodate more students, more costs will arise and be passed on to the student or to the taxpayer that will basically negate the effect of the tax credit.
It is an evident truth that not everyone will be wildly successful in life. The difference between success and failure is that successful people don’t even see failure as an option. There may be rough stretches, but never do they abandon ship or wave the white flag. Accomplished individuals embrace challenges that adverse situations present, and excel when put under stress.
One trait that makes me most proud to call myself an American is our desire to rise up and overcome when the challenge is daunting. I believe it is our spirit to be trend setters on the world stage. My national pride is hurt when I see other nations passing us academically as well as economically, with little or no desire being shown to reverse these trends.
Having ambition and self-discipline in
“If you can read this, thank a teacher; if it’s in English, thank a soldier.” –Anon.
Jesse RothSenior, Civil Engineering
