Be over, three semesters are enough
The dares that the new normal constantly throws at people can sometimes drive them to despair; what makes matters worse is the lack of understanding from others.If there is something that triggers students and, at the same time, their breadwinners, that would be school fees. Some may have pondered it, while others may have posted it on their stories, but let quantity speak louder than quality this time. We, the students of Northwestern University, demand major adjustments in fees to be paid because we have shifted, we are controlled, and lectures no longer happen inside the university facilities.
First thing first, it seems like the school fees need some vaccination too; it doesn’t matter which brand, but it needs some healing. Some fees should be neither removed nor lessened since everything is altered online. It is very alarming how we are always given a single option, with no choices and no refunds. Everyone is aware that we are not sitting at the four corners like we used to. We don’t have daily access to the school’s wireless fidelity (WiFi), educational resource center, or audio-visual rooms, and at the same time, we are not benefiting from the enclosed, cool, and filtered room. Now, whom are we paying for?
It is not enough that the possible justification is for the instructors’ benefit. The excellent quality of internet connection and rooms away from distractions were not given to them inside the school. Sometimes, they were cut off from the discussion. In addition, unnecessary noises from nearby individuals who are also having their lectures interrupt the class. Students do suffer from poor internet connectivity, but given what we paid for, we certainly deserve better.
Second, not all enrolled students could enter the province. The administration should have also noted that a large percentage of enrolled students have a low chance of entering the school. Countless students reside outside the province. With that being said, many of them will not be able to use their medical laboratories or have access to the computer laboratories that were charged to them. After all, many people are not surprised because this was not the first time the students were being controlled in this manner.
A school of quality will not make its students endure but will assure them that there will be no single issue. Imagine being controlled to pass the semester. It feels like our breadwinners need to be tied to their limbs for days so that our financial obligations will be lessened. In addition, there are numerous working students right now who are juggling their time in order to graduate. This unaddressed matter makes them suffer more, surely. Each of us has been losing more than a thousand dollars for nothing.
If the higher-ups are really concerned, they should have discussed it themselves and somehow make changes without the need for the students’ voice. Audre Lorde is entirely right when he quoted, “Your silence will not protect you.” He made a statement that seeks fair play, not in particular, but in general.
This subject opposes CHAMPS, the university’s core values. If no one speaks, will fairness soon be served? It is also important to understand others in this time of pandemic. How are we going to reboot, rewire, and reconquer if our main operator is not functioning well?
We, the students, deserve a justification for all the school fees that were charged. The administration owes us something that almost all students have figured out but has never been brought to their attention. Millions were stolen, but thousands remained silent. Now, we already have the guts to raise our voices, speak up, and be heard. We are college students, and we know which one to pay and which should not be. Be over, three semesters are enough.
