As we all know, surviving in college is a struggle. Students, especially those who pay out of pocket, suffer from inadequate health care, unhealthy eating habits and structure that many don’t develop or learn until their upperclassman years. With all these new adjustments to adult life and adult decisions, Prairie View students have been dealt an extra burden to bear, our infamous financial aid office. Since the beginning of this fall semester, students have been struggling to get their due money, pay their bills, pay the university, all while trying to keep the respectful behavior that we were taught by our parents. I must commend my fellow students for their patience this semester. They’ve handled themselves well. However, with only six weeks left in the fall semester, all patience and respect has been thrown out the window.
Many students are still waiting to be awarded, or as the financial aid office calls it, waiting for monies to be applied. False information continues to be given, which slows the already slow as molasses process. The system failed us, but expects us to keep up our end of the bargain by paying them on time, or “working with them.” Heads up, why should we “work with them” and they won’t “work with us?” Are they working to give students their overpayment checks, that many use to pay bills with, eat with and just survive?
On the other hand, do they want you to apply your hard earned money or money due to you by paying them ever so quickly and “off the top” when they haven’t done anything quickly. If we are going to “work together” then it needs to be 50/50 between the two, not 90/10 as it has been in the past. You work for me and I work for you. You get your money when I give it, and you pay me as your are supposed to, and I continue to try and give you more patience.
What I am saying is that students are trying to survive, and on a small amount of money at that, and at the very university that is supposed to educate us, nurture us and make sure that we are set to be productive people, it is an unfortunate situation that is hindering our productivity.
It is stressful to have to worry about “is my money coming it?” “will I be dropped?” “how am I going to pay rent for the month?” Then focus on your studies, extracurricular activities and being a student. Period. What message does the finacial aid situation send? Students think that they are not getting adequate help and this is making them lose a lot of respect for those they expect help from.
Moreover, slowly but surely, students are getting fed up. More so, with the fact that no one will address the situation and specific administrators are not even acknowledging the students. How rude and what a way to turn their backs on those they should be most interested in.
I believe that the students have been patient, some even understanding, but when is the financial aid office going to do its part? Get it together.