Dear future Mr. or Madam President,

The age gap between you and me is enormous. As a result, we are both bound by time to have opposing views. It is for this reason that I would like to give you the insight of just one mind of a worried high school student, and hopefully soon to be college graduate.

There was a time, when the American dream was obtainable, when families of five could own glorious, four bedroom Victorian homes and be able to live comfortable, happy lives. I do not mean to mislead you into thinking that I am not happy, but it is a struggle, worrying about which colleges I can go to because I can’t afford the ones that may give me a better education. I am a middle child of five, and there are two younger siblings to go that still need a source of income to pay for college. The financial debt of college looms over me like a storm cloud, and greatly influences which I will choose. I would like to go to a UC straight away, but my parents and older siblings tell me to stay near home and go to a community college. I will probably go to a nearby community college, De Anza, then transfer to a UC. I am thinking about going to San Jose State University because it is nearby, but I wish my education choices weren’t so limited.

I am just asking for a change. Improvements cannot be made without change. Change comes from trial and error, and if nothing changes, how can we improve? I simply want improvement, and that has to come from change.

Sincerely, One of many youths of America

"I see my future, either as a educated American dragged back four years by money I didn't have then, or at a McDonalds down the street. What can you do to make the difference?"