After experiencing cuts in financial aid, lack of jobs opportunities and dwindling faith in the American economic system, students want to hold President Barack Obama to his promise of change.
Although some financial experts believe that the worst of the recession may be behind us, students that are still feeling the affects want to see more from the current administration.
“The government should spend more on Education. “Education should be our priority in America,” Nestor Calderon, music major, said.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act lays out Obama’s plans to increase college financial aid, make federal programs simpler, more reliable and more efficient for students.
The act includes more than $30 billion to be used to make college more affordable.
For working students, taxes are an area that need to be addressed.
Bernard Sap, business Major would like to see a reduction in the taxes he pays.
“Taxes take up almost half of my check,” Sap said.
This means less take home pay for Sap and less money to cover his expenses.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes rage of tax cuts that will give some relief to 95 percent of working families and will create or save nearly 1 million jobs through tax cuts.
Students like Christeon Faulka, respiratory therapy major, wants to see more jobs created and this Act may help if it does create more jobs.
“I have been looking for a job for six months,” Faulka said.
In contrast, Michelle Varalyay, Kinesiology major, considers herself a rare exception in this economy.
Until recently she held three jobs by choice and not out of necessity.
“It is difficult for me (personally) to understand the collapsing economy,” Varalyay said.
In Varalyay’s hometown of Palmdale, CA she can see the impact the economy has on her friends and community.
“Business are collapsing,” Varalyay said.
She hopes that Obama keeps to his promise of hope and service as a social leader and inspiration to others during the countries economic struggles.
Walter Mendez, fashion major, is a part of the campus’ Students First Campaign Party and would like to see Obama reignite the public’s positive outlook on American life.
“I hope that he (Obama), continues to spark a new movement in equality which we did not see in the last administration,” Mendez said.
Although Mendez, hopes that Obama plan will attempt to create fairness across the board he realizes that it will take more than the current administration to bring change.
“Previously, I could care less, but now I know it will take the whole nation to change this economy.
