The Sky's the Limit

                As a kid, in the movies we see parents tell their kids that they can do anything they put their mind too, and that no matter what; the sky is the limit in all they do. What the movies don't show, is today's reality in America when it comes to getting an education after high school. It truly makes you wonder why school is free up until it's time for you or your child to attend college. Especially, when in today's society, in order to work almost anywhere you need a college degree.
              Recently it was founded that African-American women are the most educated group in the country. Although this is true, we need to discuss why most of these educated women are in debt and working two to three jobs just to make sure they can have a roof over their heads' and still being able to make payments on their student loans. It's almost as if we are paying the government to get what we need in order to perform in the careers provided by them. Not to mention, the percentage of our African-American women who are unable to attend college due to expanding cost. Yes, of course there are community colleges, but that cost also tends to add up as far as books, lab fees, and food goes. People also tend to bring up scholarships, so lets tap into that. As a college student myself; in high school I filled out as many scholarships that I could that I qualified for. Now, in filling out those scholarships, I want to say that I received at least 4 out of the 20 that I filled out. Guess which scholarships they were.....the given ones. When I say that, I mean the ones that colleges automatically give to ALL that simply qualify just to make you feel as though you truly were given some money. When in reality, the little $250-$2,000 they give you covers probably two of your books you'll need for a class. Now, I'm not downing scholarships at all, but you have to take in consideration the kids that have truly been in need of college money wanting to further their education and couldn't because of simply not being chosen.
             With all that being said, this makes you wonder; is it worth it all? The answer is yes. In the world we live in today, we can not be discouraged or frightened by the obstacles that stand in front of us, we simply must over come them and work hard to do so. As a African-American woman, we all need to come together and be a helping hand with one another. Not saying you have to give the next sister money, but just be a voice of encouragement. Knowing that someone is or has been where you are can truly help more than you or even myself realize. Myself and many others are constantly trying to make our voice heard about the cost of education in America today. To make it easier on you for the young ladies still in high school or even the women out of school and indecisive, make a solid plan. Get you a sheet of paper and write it out. Give yourself small goals and big goals to accomplish in a certain time frame. This will help you stay not only stay focused, but determined. Another thing is, do not be afraid to start off small. I currently am starting my Pre-Nursing path at a community college. That is okay. Trust me when I say I truly understand the stress of being pushed to go to a university just because some people frown upon the fact of attending a community college. Take it from someone who use to think that way as well, they are the same. It will just be a smaller campus, and less students attending, which in some cases is great for people. If you're like me, I learn better in a small class setting because it allows my instructor to give each one of us their undivided attention if needed. Plus, due to me receiving financial aid (another great asset in paying for school, if offered enough) I didn't have to take out a loan, nor come out of pocket for anything. Money was actually put back into my hands once the cost for books and labs came out.
           Try to keep in mind that it's not about where you go, but about how hard you work wherever you go and when you get there. Now, this topic will also stem into my next upcoming topic called Putting More Into Us: HBCU's . With this topic I will have different commentary from African-American's in the community and African-American voices of today's generation. Stay tuned, and be blessed Queens.