Too often we read reports from various studies that attempt to spoon-feed us findings consisting of data and facts we all ready know - a recent report by the State Public Interest Research Group’s Higher Education Project is no exception.
The report found many college students are working 25 hours or more per week. And of the 46 percent of students who spend more than 25 hours at their jobs, 42 percent said the job hurts their grades.
But these are findings that most college students are already aware of. Many students belong to this clique who manage a hectic school schedule along with a part-time job.
The task of playing the double role of student and breadwinner is becoming all too common among college students.
The findings of the report only remind students of their situations and the often comforting fact that they’re not alone when it comes to leading a double life. College students are supposed to be here to focus on getting an education, not trying to support themselves with a measly paycheck.
When it comes to students who are working a job that supplements their future careers, the key is to stay focused and suck up the experience. But for those members of the student body working to support themselves and pay for their tuition, living expenses and books, it’s just not fair.
Many people might think working 25 hours a week and going to school is good experience because it teaches students how to balance various aspects of life. College life indeed makes us pros at that.
But with responsibilities like these, students often aren’t making the grades they would if they weren’t required to work three or four nights at a local eatery just to make next month’s rent.
If we couldn’t handle the workload, then most of us probably wouldn’t be here.
This report should prompt university and government officials to do more to keep costs down. By telling students they work too much, they’re only reminding students of the burdens that are latched onto their backs by the university.
Hopefully the report will cause officials to think more about the situations of a lot of MSU students. Only then can students actually appreciate reading or hearing about the findings of this report or other ones of similar nature.
