ThisTooShallPass

“Need” Based Bursary’s.

As anyone who has ever attended post secondary education knows, its expensive. Yes, the government has provided bursary’s to those with financial need, and universities and colleges give special consideration to those students with separate needs. Congratulations, post secondary and government institutions, you have recognized the income inequality relevant in our western society. 

But I am going to speak as someone completely average. Middle Class. No special needs that require me special treatment. 

When applying to bursary’s and scholarships, I was ineligible for about 95% of them because my parents exceeded the salary cap, I was white, or because I lived in the town I did. Despite having a 90+ average, extra curricular activities coming out their ass, and a scholarly application essay, students in the middle class are finding it extremely difficult to receive scholarships and bursary’s because of their parents income bracket. 

What governments are doing is throwing money at those who demonstrate extreme need, but what about those who aren’t extreme, but would still appreciate the extra money to help them through school?

This is a touchy subject, so I’m going to demonstrate my argument through something happening at my college. A student could not always make it to class for medical reasons to they gave her Avid, an editing program that retails for $700.  Now this is wonderful and everything, but now we see how other students, who pay the same amount of tuition, are losing $700. Just because I can make it to class by bussing for 40 minutes a day, I am denied a $700 program.

Going back to tuition, because my parents make over a certain income, I am denied extra money to be put towards my education. The Ontario Government offers 30% off tuition to those who’s families income is under $160,000 or less. Therefore, I am being charged MORE, because I have more money.

Governments are not going to solve economic inequality by throwing money at the problem. Re-evaluate. 
 

First Lecture in John Reeds MIT 1500 Class

offpistepursuit:

(Source: heyitsmebro)

Newtown.

In liu of the tragedy that occurred this morning in Newtown, Connecticut, my heart sincerely goes out to the victims and survivors that were affected today.

With that being said, I think some attention needs to be paid on how the media is responding to this situation. Yes, I do think that the North American society as a whole needs to be educated on these tragedies and the consequence, however I’m worried for those individuals that are watching the news and relating to it.

Think of all the kids and people who are misunderstood, can’t be heard, lonely, unknown. What do they think when they watch the news? They see a guy who was misunderstood, can’t be heard, lonely, and unknown, who suddenly has all of the worlds attention on him. These kids are going to look at the situation and think “Hey, I just need to do something drastic, then I’ll get myself known.”

These drastic actions are almost always negative. Why? Because its easier. Because its faster. Because its what the media focus’s on. When is the last time you turned on the TV and on every news channel there was a story about something positive? The Olympics? The Royal Wedding? How realistic is it that the average individual will become an Olympic Athlete or a member of the royal family? Not likely. How realistic is it that if you shoot up a school you will continued to be ignored? Not likely.

People look at these people that take drastic negative action and think “Wow, they must have some inner terror inside them”.

And they accept it.

The media must focus on the warning signs of someone who has these inner terrors, and what can be done on a mental health standpoint. They must say “This terrorist/shooter/suicidal individual had these suppressed feelings, and this is what you can do to the people in your life to make sure they know they are cared for.”

I wish people in the shooter’s life had paid attention to the warning signs. His cries for help, his withdrawal, and his suppressed anger. I urge anyone with feelings of loneliness, sadness, and anger to reach out to someone, be it a parent, guardian, teacher, councillor, or friend. Regardless of the measures taken to release these built up emotions, everyone could always use someone to talk to.