Look, this means so much to me that I decided to post it on both of my weblogs....
I read an article yesterday that perplexed me. It was in the University at Albany?s student paper, the ASP (Albany State Press if I am not mistaken). I was bothered with the article for a number of reasons, the least of which was the ignorance of some of those who contributed to the article. I mean, everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I believe the opinions expressed by some of the students (specifically the freshman students) proved the juvenile state of mind that still exists in a first year college student that is making the transition into college.
Basically, EOP is in trouble. For those of you who do not know what EOP is, it is the Educational Opportunity Program. The intent of the program is to find students that possess the ability to succeed in an institution of Higher Learning, but that have not academically excelled to their greatest potential because of their economic situations. Academically, many EOP students do not meet the requirements necessary to be accepted into these institutions. So the program takes them and puts them through an intensive 4 to 6 week academically based summer program, in which they are able to learn how to go about making the transition into a world in which most of the people they come in contact with, will be living with the misconception that individuals from these disadvantaged communities are not capable of ?making the grade? if even given the chance. EOP students after the summer program are mainstreamed into the University?s society and despite the fact it may be impossible to distinguish them from ?traditional? students, support is available for them if they ever need it during their time at the institution. Many people believe that EOP students obtain their education absolutely free, quite often making ignorant comments that allude to the fact that they too need financial support in obtaining their education. However, being in EOP does not at all mean that students don?t pay for their education. I know this because I was given my opportunity to obtain my Bachelor?s Degree in English from the University at Albany, through EOP. And I am more than proud to say that I am the product of the Educational Opportunity Program.
So anyway, the Governor wants to get rid of the program. What?s new? In times of economic hardships for a nation, get rid of opportunities to educate those who are disadvantaged. I mean, we want to do away with welfare, but we also want to do away with education. What gives?
You see, the only people that are truly affected by these cuts, are those that are disadvantaged. In a nation, in which ?other? is the majority, why is it that the majority of individuals obtaining their education are White? I mean, why is there a minority of minorities obtaining an education. Sure, you are going to say that they have no interest in going to college. It?s simple to throw stones when you live in a brick house, so crack their glass house. What the hell does it matter? EOP does not just help Blacks and Hispanics, it helps Caucasians, Asians, Middle Eastern, and ANYONE that is in a position in which they cannot obtain higher education without extensive aid. I?m not talking about people who need a $5, ooo a year loan; I?m talking about people that need a $10,000 a year loan. So, when you compare your need to theirs then maybe your argument will change.
But, in moving on traditional students are complaining. Traditional students read ?white upper middle class? kids. And I hear them. You see, I agree with the fact that state schools should offer support to all students. I agree that college is not an experience that is new only to disadvantaged students. I think that there needs to be an expansion of that need. However, that is not the case. So instead of ignorantly blaming a system that has gone above and beyond to find ways to offer support for it?s students by creating grants and lobbying, not to mention reminding beneficiaries of EOP to contribute to a cause that helped them obtain their education, how bout those complaining be proactive and make it possible for their needs to be met as well. EOP is not a wasted cause and if it is lost, it will truly be detrimental to our society because once again, a hierarchy that has traditionally benefited those that are not in the ?other? category will prevail. And without education, there is little chance for upward mobility and without upward mobility, the Gramcian intellectuals will be waiting to scoop up the masses and there will be a ?REVOLUTION?.
So to the person who said that I don?t care about anything?
I am all about the education of MY people, a people that have been disadvantaged since the days when we were forced to come here against our will. I am all about the education of the youth that I teach everyday. I am all about obtaining education by any means necessary and most of all, I am all about seeing my brothers and sisters who grew up disadvantaged, as I did, being given the opportunity to prove to the world that if given the chance, we can show you how far ahead of this society we would be had it not been for the greed of our masters.