“I am constantly paying for my parents’ groceries to make sure we have enough food in the house, and am currently working three jobs in order to pay for essentials at home.”

As a low-income student, I was constantly aware of what could happen if something drastic occurred to change my status from poor but doing okay to downright struggling. That “something drastic” has occurred, and no one knows when it will end. I am constantly paying for my parents’ groceries to Read more…

“I am already stressed about what my unpaid thesis work will take from my jobs and my classes. Without having to worry about work and money, I could put so much more of myself into my senior project. It would mean a lot to me to finish off my Yale career in the way I would choose if I truly had all the options.”

“I have been working at Yale since before classes started my first year. I spent Camp Yale scheduling job interviews, as my number one priority was to get an on-campus job. Going to this school would not have been possible unless I could make money. I felt lucky that I Read more…

“Because I’m in a stable financial situation, I didn’t have the struggles that some of my friends did. It’s essential that Yale provides accessible mental health care to everyone so that everyone can get the support and care that they need.”

In many ways, COVID affected me a lot less than many other people. I was able to stay home after spring break and was also able to take in two friends of mine who didn’t have anywhere else to go and were turned away by Yale from staying on campus. Read more…

“Going forward, I really need the administration to be clear about student work and how that works when people are taking semesters off, and to support students in their jobs no matter where they are. Students should have access to full-need financial aid, so I am calling on Yale to eliminate the SIC.”

During COVID-19, being able to continue my jobs with the Yale Sustainable Food Project and the Office of Sustainability remotely was really meaningful and important. In addition, being paid for my Film Studies department job– which couldn’t go remote– was so helpful because I have an apartment lease that makes Read more…

“The SIC only places further strain on me and my family, and a lack of timely mental health support further contributes to that stress.”

“I support the fight for full aid and improved mental health support. For me, Yale’s financial and mental health systems go hand-in-hand. I should not have to worry about funding my education when students are promised equitable and sufficient need-based aid. The SIC only places further strain on me and Read more…

“Yale is well equipped and full of potential to lead the change in student contribution – I hope it capitalizes on that to alleviate the stress that it can for students like myself.”

The pandemic has served as a harsh reminder of the large disparity between first generation low income students and the majority of Yalies. My tight income household struggles to provide me with many of the privileges financially free households are able to provide. That disparity can be a slight difference, Read more…