Many of us have thought, especially if you have been hit hard by the current economic climate, “At least I’m not on food stamps … At least I’m not unemployed,” or “At least I still have a roof over my head.” Those who have not had to think about it are either lucky, or oblivious, as there are students at De Anza who do need help to realize their educational dreams.

De Anza offers many low-income programs. Many students on campus know of the Eco Pass (and if you don’t, you should). The Board of Governor’s fee waiver removes the base $17 per unit fee while requiring a yearly income of $15,000 or less. There is also the Campus Cupboard, which gives needy students food so they can concentrate on their studies. The Extended Opportunities Programs and Services and Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education work with single parents on the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. During 2011 the program had 121 transfers to four-year universities. 

I see these programs as helpful for those in the community who are financially less fortunate to have the education opportunities many of us take for granted. If I were in that situation, I would be very grateful to those programs. 

To make these more accessible to others, the college needs to be more aware of the programs available. The Financial Aid department already has signs plastered up everywhere, but more can be done. People need to be able to take advantage of the opportunities, especially during the current economic climate that brings more of those students to colleges than ever before.

Our pride can get in the way of accepting help, as the nature of self-reliance is strong throughout American culture. We don’t want to accept hand-outs – we want to show that we can stand on our own. We want to demonstrate that we are successful to our family, friends and significant others.

We need to do something. It can be as grand as donating time to some programs, or as personal as helping out that friend that you know could use some help. Sometimes, it’s the careful prodding is all that’s needed.