Many forces plague college students, such as tuition increases, pressure to graduate on time, perilous commutes, or even life outside the campus grounds. Many of these obstructions do not disappear after the school year, often clinging onto student’s sanity like leeches. These worries represent a fraction of the headaches and dilemmas that can cloud minds amidst every new school year.
Ariella Louie, 20, of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, wearing her fathers pin-striped dress shirt, her skinny denim jeans, and white tank-top, rolled out of bed to pay a visit to her cousin (who lives upstairs in her two-apartment building). While lounging on her cousin’s sofa—multitasking and girl-talk come hand in hand—as she searched the Internet for jobs with her cousin‘s laptop. Currently attending Baruch College, a transfer student from Hunter, she explained that the ambiance of Baruch felt more like a “real” college. Her reasoning focused on the differences between the classrooms, school buildings, elevators, and overall atmosphere that Baruch evoked.
Louie is a sophomore majoring in corporate communications with a minor in biochemistry. “I’m worried about maintaining my schoolwork, my part-time job, and the volunteer work I do,” she said.
Other problems cited required fine tuning via studying. “I’m concerned that I won’t pass physics because I’m bad at math,” she joked. Louie also expressed qualms dealing with people on a day-to-day basis, suggesting that the school’s bureaucracy could be more helpful. She viewed students as less vocal and friendly, suggesting it might be because CUNY is generally viewed as a collection of commuter colleges. Not like universities where people dorm and get to know each other. “They’re very much for themselves,” she said. She also threw a few daggers at the MTA. “I keep seeing my bank account get smaller and smaller,” she said, referring to increasing metrocard prices.
Sara Anwar, 21, of Flushing, Queens, appeared reserved, sitting by a Hunter computer terminal and dressed in a pink T-shirt, blue jeans, and black jacket. She lingered, waiting for the clock to tick—work was starting soon. She is an office assistant in the math and sciences program at Hunter where she is currently enrolled. The job is vital for paying her tuition. She said that she saw a decrease in her financial aid the past year.
A senior majoring in biochemistry with a minor in psychology, Anwar also spoke of furthering her studies. “I’m applying to medical school, so I’m worried about not graduating on time, I also haven’t been accepted yet,” she said. She has until February to receive the notices. Most of Anwar’s worries originate from thoughts on her final semester at Hunter when she has to take a specific course offered once a year: Organic Chemistry. She also expressed sympathy for her brother who took out a student loan. This financial burden directly affects her and her family; she is one of three siblings currently enrolled in college.
Elizabeth Mindel, 30, of the Upper West Side could appear to be a very quirky character despite a carefree manner about her, but sugarcoating isn’t part of her repertoire, as she tells it as it is. Dressed in light blue jeans, a D.A.R.E. T-shirt, and using crutches, her attire insinuated who she was and set the mood. Misfortune has no boundaries, even afflicting those with good intentions. “My biggest concern is figuring out how to make money with these crutches,” she said.
Mindel was in a bicycle accident during the summer, setting off a domino effect. She can’t work and she has estimated that her leg injury cost her approximately $40,000. She has no medical insurance, she can‘t afford it. “It’s so hard to get financial aid, yet I made hardly any money. Walking in on crutches isn’t enough proof that I don’t work,” she said.
A sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology at Hunter, Mindel left a previous office job that provided a good salary and had benefits in order to return to college and further her education. Juggling school, work, and real life have proved to be draining for her. She described New York as a very lonely city, in reference to her current social situation, or lack there of. “Everyone’s goal is for it to be better than the last,” she said, regarding the semester.
Lorraine Haddad, 21, of Flatbush, Brooklyn had a free spirited nature about her. A junior, Haddad is majoring in media studies with a minor in psychology. Her black blazer, white tank, and black boots, could have fooled passers-by into believing she just left an important meeting. Rather, she was reading by the Hunter library andawaiting her next course. Haddad’s major concerns revolve around graduating on time, though in her case, she knows she needs an extra semester. “I’m taking my time because I’m unsure of what I want to do,” she said. Very content with her situation, not the type to pull at the reigns, she made it very clear about her uncertainties revolving around her college experience.
Textbooks also proved to be quite a hassle as she forked over $350 to $400 for three courses. Most of her headaches stem from campus computers not working or just trying to make it to class on time. “I drive here, more often than not I’m late for class due to traffic,” said Haddad.