Who doesn't love the idea of more money!? Especially when you've worked hard to earn it! After reading both AZcentral.com articles, it gives me hope as a current college student that I'll be prepared for my future. Education is an important part of growth as it affects how we learn and our choices. I'm supportive of Governor Ducey's Achieve60AZ plan to encourage Arizonan youth to go beyond a high school diploma.
I remember marching with my mom during the Red for Ed protest around the late 2010s. I was just a kid, but I remembered how much it meant to her. My mom is a middle school science teacher (I don't know how she does it) and has been one for over 20 years. I personally see how much effort and how she uses her own money to educate her students. She was even my teacher for 2 years! She works hard with making sure each of her students understand the subject: troubled kids, class clowns, quiet kids, kids with mental disabilities, and more. I love teachers and understand their efforts regardless of what they're teaching. Educators deserve a raise, and it should be a high paying job as they affect younger generations. Furthermore, when I read Ducey added $142 million budget to k-12 education and provided an additional $38 million to universities, it's all good news!
2030 continues to inch closer and I wonder if there has been a raise in college graduates. However, what both articles failed to provide is student loans and debt being a tribute to why some people don't go to college. According to Investopedia.com, as of 2021, "total amount of outstanding student loan debt in the United States was $1.6 trillion as of Q4'23." That's a lot of money and can easily turn someone away from wanting to attend college. I consider myself lucky as I have free tuition attending GCC, but I see how it's hard for my partner to keep up with his monthly payments or how my friends just ignore the debt.
There have been times I question if I'm choosing the right path for my future. I ponder if these classes are worth it as I struggle with an assignment or don't understand a lecture. Dropping out seems like a easy way out! However, that doesn't look good on a resume...and how would I ever become a wildlife biologist with no experience!? I tell myself that my efforts will pay off because I want a job that'll provide me a good income and I'll be happy. As AZCentral.com stated, the median income for those with a college degree is $65,791 compared to only a high school diploma education, $38,423.
Overall, both articles are positive with the future of Arizona's plan of Achieve60AZ. The promises of higher wages, more taxes, less poverty, and more jobs are promising! Nonetheless, plans are plans as I hope the goal is met for future generations and provide a healthier economy.
Zion Webb
ReplyDeleteI completely agree! More money is always a great idea, especially when it comes from hard work and education. Governor Ducey's Achieve60AZ plan is definitely a step in the right direction for Arizona's youth and their future. It's inspiring to see the efforts being made to improve education and job opportunities in the state. I also understand the struggles of student loans and debt as a barrier to higher education. It's important for us to continue pushing forward and working towards our goals, knowing that our efforts will pay off in the long run. I am hopeful for the future of Arizona with these positive changes on the horizon.