By Cecilia Nasmith/Today’s Northumberland
The change in provincial policy to shift a heavier portion of student assistance into the “loan” category from the “grant” one is the subject of a March 11 protest at 12:30 in front of Cobourg’s Victoria Hall.
This is an action taken in solidarity with students across Ontario and, while Cobourg Collegiate Institute is not affiliated with these organizers, Desiree Mahon has helped to organize a home-town show of support for their efforts.
“The issues that are concerning me as a future university student is being in a lot of debt after I am done,” Mahon explained.
Coming from a low-income family and hoping for a career in health care, she has always expected to have to rely on scholarships and financial aid.
“I have been working since Grade 9 and still don’t have enough saved up, since it’s hard to find jobs and get the amount of hours that you want for a good pay, plus balancing school and extracurricular activities,” she said.
Looking at how much her family can afford to help, she has an idea of how much of the cost will fall on her shoulders, and cannot help feeling she will be in debt for years to come.
“The tuition plus residence is already a lot and, with the tuition freeze coming off, it adds up,” Mahon stated.
“Universities are going to be a privilege.”
That conclusion is shared by her fellow students, she added.
“They feel that university/college is going to be only for people with money. They feel discouraged about going to post-secondary, because they can’t afford it. Students are going to be in more debt before they even get out of school. People can’t afford the future that they have worked so hard for.”
Just to add to the challenge, she continued, “many courses in university don’t allow time for a part-time job on top of academics. People are working so hard just to be in debt afterwards.”
Many of her peers are attempting to discuss the issue with Northumberland-Peterborough South MPP David Piccini as well as Queen’s Park. Meanwhile, plans for the March 11 walk-out continue. And they invite anyone who shares their concerns to take part.
“Everyone who supports our goal is welcome,” Mahon said.
“They know that our education is Ontario’s future, and everyone is invited.”
