Budget crisis woes and worries

Some students sacrifice luxury for necessity

Shannon Berry/ Roundup

The reduced funding for California Community Colleges, as well as the increase in fees, are directly affecting students’ educational goals, lifestyles and recreational activities.

The Fall 2009 semester was expected to undergo major financial changes when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed the California State Budget July 28, which included the enrollment fee increase from $20 to $26.

Six dollars might not seem like a huge increase, but a 30-percent increase adds up when tacked on to each unit.

More students are budgeting and prioritizing their spending with the budget cuts in full effect. Aside from school expenses, essentials including bills, gas, rent, and food all have to be satisfied.

A variety of students who live different lifestyles can be found on Pierce’s campus — some who are affected tremendously by the fee increase, and others who are not even aware of the change.

Political science student Abrielle Pendleton is not employed because she “does not have time for a job.” She said her her mom covers her expenses and she receives a monthly allowance which she has to budget for bus fare, gas, food and personal activities.

A number of independent students live on their own, work full time and pay for the necessary expenses. Some of these students do not qualify for financial aid and are feeling the brunt of the economic downturn.

Aymara Dellano, a fine arts major, is among many others whose education is suffering because of the enrollment-fee increase. Dellano lives on her own and is solely responsible for her income and her education.

“The price per unit is affecting me. I have other responsibilities,” Dellano said. “I want to take a certain amount of classes, but I am unable to. I have to cut back because of rent, bills and gas.”

Personal lives are also suffering as a result of the budget cuts.

Rather than going to check out the newest movie release, club opening, or favorite restaurant, students are forced to become creative with their leisure activities.

Pierce theater major Jack Barnett said, “going out is overrated.”

Instead of spending money on club admission, Barnett goes garage bombing at night with friends as a form of leisure.

Garage bombing is an adrenaline-pumping activity where people go to the top of parking garages and travel to the bottom level with an accelerating speed on their skateboards.

Some students, whose finances and leisure time have not been restricted, are exceptions to what is now the norm.

Cody Floyd who served in the U.S. Navy for three years, has been not affected by the budget cuts because of the G.I. Bill. He is taken care of under the post-9/11 bill which covers 100 percent of his school tuition and awards him a Basic Housing Allowance of $2,100 a month.

While working part time, Floyd is “saving my BHA for my future education.”

A number of students have been affected differently by the budget cuts, and whether it weighs more on their education or their leisure activities, they figure out ways to get through it as best they can.