4 ms·

I think the article misses the point: the problem with poor people is they don't have money. I'd know, I grew up poor. That's the problem, and ONLY problem. '

I think the article misses the point: the problem with poor people is they don't have money. I'd know, I grew up poor. That's the problem, and ONLY problem. 'We can do more to be supportive' - JUST GIVE THEM MONEY. Oh they don't have to pay tuition, that's great. Do they have to pay rent and eat? Do they need to buy textbooks and clothes? Give them money, end of story. All this talk of self-esteem issues - please. Every 12-30 year old has self-esteem issues or ego-maniacal issues, time fixes all that. Just let them study and learn to fit in instead of washing dishes.

smeyer 12y ago
At the top ivy league schools, they do in fact also pay for rent, food, and even clothes (Harvard has a fund to pay for winter coats for students on certain levels of financial aid.) Harvard also has a fund to pay for some school-sponsored social events (like formal dances) as well as certain types of travel. There is still a notable class difference and there are still issues of money around different types of activities and behaviors, but it's not like they just pay tuition and call it a day. (I mentioned Harvard specifically a few times because I went there and am familiar, but I believe the situation is the same at a couple of other top ivy league schools.)
- alexashka 12y ago
  If this is truly the case - I don't understand the notion of working part-time and studying at a top school. What is that all about? If it is as you say it is - then this is just folks boo-hooing about the challenges of... well... being in challenging situations. You are going to be put in those when it comes to your health, relationships and likely money, sooner or later. Everyone goes through that at some point in time - most come out alive :)
  - smeyer 12y ago
    I think it's a bit unreasonable to describe it all as just "boo-hooing". Obviously everyone has challenges, but that doesn't mean that it isn't worth considering how these could be mitigated. There is a real problem of social stratification and isolation that affects many students at these top schools in a way that substantially impacts their experiences, and while it may be difficult to resolve, it's probably worth thinking about.

smeyer 12y ago

At the top ivy league schools, they do in fact also pay for rent, food, and even clothes (Harvard has a fund to pay for winter coats for students on certain levels of financial aid.) Harvard also has a fund to pay for some school-sponsored social events (like formal dances) as well as certain types of travel. There is still a notable class difference and there are still issues of money around different types of activities and behaviors, but it's not like they just pay tuition and call it a day. (I mentioned Harvard specifically a few times because I went there and am familiar, but I believe the situation is the same at a couple of other top ivy league schools.)

alexashka 12y ago
If this is truly the case - I don't understand the notion of working part-time and studying at a top school. What is that all about? If it is as you say it is - then this is just folks boo-hooing about the challenges of... well... being in challenging situations. You are going to be put in those when it comes to your health, relationships and likely money, sooner or later. Everyone goes through that at some point in time - most come out alive :)
- smeyer 12y ago
  I think it's a bit unreasonable to describe it all as just "boo-hooing". Obviously everyone has challenges, but that doesn't mean that it isn't worth considering how these could be mitigated. There is a real problem of social stratification and isolation that affects many students at these top schools in a way that substantially impacts their experiences, and while it may be difficult to resolve, it's probably worth thinking about.