SOS: Save Our Students – Navigating Higher Education’s Financial Maze

24 Jul 2024 13:13

Higher education is often touted as the gateway to a successful future, promising knowledge, opportunities, and career growth. However, the reality faced by many students can be starkly different. Inspired by two of my own students who are currently struggling to balance the demands of university life with financial pressures, this post aims to shed light on a critical issue: higher education is increasingly about money, not students. Here’s what students can do to ensure they get the best service for the money they are paying.

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From "Another Brick in the Wall" to Building Foundations for the Future

20 Jun 2024 12:43

As a child, my mantra was encapsulated in the lyrics of Pink Floyd's iconic song: "We don't need no education, we don't need no thought control." For me, school was just a monotonous routine, a place where I felt like just another brick in the wall. Education seemed irrelevant, a mere formality imposed by society. I struggled to find any enthusiasm for learning and often felt that the traditional education system didn't cater to my needs or interests.

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Poverty and Homelessness: A Call for Change

Poverty and homelessness remain two of the most pressing issues in both the US and the UK, despite these nations being among the wealthiest in the world. The contrast between immense wealth and extreme deprivation raises a critical question: Why does this inequality persist, and how can we change it?

The Role of Government Funding and Policy

One answer lies in proper government funding and policy. Effective measures can address the root causes of poverty, such as lack of affordable housing, insufficient wages, and limited access to education and healthcare. For instance, governments could invest in social housing programs, enforce rent control, and increase housing benefits to ensure everyone has a safe place to call home.

Take Finland as a case study. Finland has made remarkable strides in reducing homelessness through its Housing First policy. This initiative prioritizes providing permanent housing to those experiencing homelessness without preconditions like employment or sobriety. The results have been striking: homelessness has decreased by over 35% in the past decade. Housing First recognizes that stable housing is the foundation for addressing other challenges, such as mental health issues, unemployment, and addiction. It’s a stark contrast to punitive systems that often criminalize homelessness in other countries.

Wealth Redistribution: A Key to Equity

Another critical solution lies in wealth redistribution. The gap between the richest and poorest continues to widen, fueled by economic systems that prioritize profit over people. A fairer tax system could redistribute wealth more equitably, funding essential public services like education, healthcare, and welfare.

Let’s compare this to Denmark, a country with one of the lowest poverty rates globally. Denmark’s progressive tax system, generous welfare programs, and robust labor protections create a society where access to healthcare, education, and housing is universal. Their government invests heavily in public services, ensuring a high standard of living for all citizens. As a result, extreme poverty is virtually nonexistent, and the wealth gap is significantly narrower compared to the US or UK.

The Funds Are There—What’s Missing Is Political Will

The funds to end poverty and homelessness already exist; the issue is about prioritization. Imagine if the billions spent on luxury goods, corporate bailouts, or defense budgets were redirected toward eradicating poverty. It’s not just about allocating resources—it’s about a cultural shift that values human well-being over material excess.

The Path Forward

Ending poverty and homelessness requires bold policy decisions and collective action. Governments must prioritize people over profit, implementing evidence-based solutions like Finland’s Housing First and Denmark’s wealth redistribution strategies. As citizens, we also play a role. Advocacy, volunteering, and holding policymakers accountable can help build momentum for change.

It’s time to envision a world where wealth isn’t hoarded but shared, where no one is left behind. Poverty and homelessness are not inevitable—they’re the result of choices. Let’s demand better policies, more equitable systems, and a future where every person has the chance to thrive.

Breaking Barriers: My Journey as an Academic Without Knowing I Was Dyslexic

For years, I navigated the world of academia, constantly battling an invisible barrier that I couldn't quite name. It wasn’t until later in life that I discovered I was dyslexic, and suddenly, so many pieces of the puzzle fell into place. The struggles I faced, the unconventional methods I developed, and the sense of accomplishment I felt when I finally achieved my goals all made sense. Looking back, it’s remarkable to think about how far I’ve come without even knowing the true nature of my challenge.

The Early Struggles

Growing up, I always felt like I had to work twice as hard as my peers just to keep up. Words seemed to dance on the page, and no matter how much time I spent reading, I often struggled to process and retain the information. Spelling tests were a nightmare, and essay writing felt like an impossible task. Yet, I loved learning. I was curious and determined, and I knew deep down that I was capable—even when it didn’t feel that way.

In my academic career, these challenges became even more pronounced. Deadlines were overwhelming, lectures sometimes felt like a blur, and academic texts took me hours to digest. I often wondered, “Why does this feel so much harder for me than for everyone else?” But I pushed through, determined to prove to myself and others that I belonged in this world.

Finding My Own Methods

Without knowing I was dyslexic, I instinctively developed strategies to help me cope with my unique challenges:

  1. Visual Learning:
    I discovered that visuals were my superpower. Mind maps, diagrams, and color-coded notes became my go-to tools. Instead of relying solely on written text, I used charts and illustrations to organize my thoughts and make connections between ideas.

  2. Note-Taking:
    During lectures, I realized that writing things down—whether I fully understood them in the moment or not—helped cement the information in my mind. I developed a habit of reviewing and rewriting my notes later, often adding visuals to make the content clearer.

  3. Chunking Information:
    Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable chunks was a game-changer. Long essays or complex projects no longer felt so intimidating when I approached them one step at a time.

  4. Audio Resources:
    Listening to lectures, audiobooks, or recorded notes helped me process information more effectively. Hearing the material often made more sense than reading it.

  5. Self-Compassion and Persistence:
    Above all, I learned to be patient with myself. I accepted that my path might look different from others’, but that didn’t make it any less valid or valuable.

Achieving Success

Reaching this point in my career hasn’t been easy. There were moments of doubt, frustration, and exhaustion, but I’ve also experienced immense pride and fulfillment. As an academic, I’ve published papers, delivered lectures, and mentored students—all while carrying the weight of an undiagnosed learning difference.

Discovering that I’m dyslexic was both a revelation and a relief. It didn’t define me or my abilities, but it gave me the language to understand my journey. It allowed me to reframe my struggles as strengths and to advocate for myself in new ways.

Embracing Neurodiversity

Today, I’m passionate about raising awareness of neurodiversity in academia and beyond. I know firsthand how isolating it can feel to struggle in silence, but I also know that with the right tools and support, we can thrive. My experience has taught me that success isn’t about fitting into a predefined mold—it’s about finding what works for you and owning your unique path.

To anyone reading this who might be facing similar challenges: You are not alone, and you are capable of achieving incredible things. Embrace your differences, lean into your strengths, and never stop pushing forward. The journey might be hard, but it’s worth every step.