Letter from a student
Good afternoon. My name is Charlene Piper, and I am a student at Brooklyn College. I am also a Peter F. Vallone Merit Scholarship recipient.
As I prepare to register for the fall semester, I find myself worrying about being able to afford my tuition. Money has always been tight in my family, especially after my father passed away. When I found out that I had been accepted to Brooklyn College in 1999, I was absolutely ecstatic. Brooklyn College meant that I could get a quality, affordable education right here in New York City. Adding to that happiness was the news that I would receive the Pete F. Vallone Merit Scholarship. All the nights I had stayed up late studying while other kids my age were going to parties and movies had paid off with the financial assistance I'd need if I was going to afford my education. My academic future is uncertain, and that scares me. With only six classes left to complete my degree, I don't know if I'll be able to afford to continue my studies.
Recently, the CUNY Fiscal Affairs Committee voted to increase tuition by $800, which makes my education very expensive. This potential tuition hike is especially troubling when coupled with the news that the merit scholarship might be eliminated.
I urge the Mayor
and the City Council to invest in CUNY students like myself who are working
hard to obtain a degree and become productive members of society. We must
support the Peter F. Vallone Merit Scholarship and all of the students
who benefit from the program like myself.