Oldest’s World
November 24, 2009 | Filed under: Stuff
Oldest is at UCLA, and all last week there were protests and unrest on campus about the 32% tuition hike. That tuition hike is going to kill us, as it will many, many others. But what struck me most was Oldest’s personal account of the situation and her texts as she lived it … Thought I’d share.
First text:
They’re rioting on campus!
Second text:
The students blockaded the building where the UC Regent Dickwads are who made this decision. A human fence. The regents just tried to leave the building and everyone attacked, yelling shame on you.
Third text:
I teared up walking through the protest. To realize everyone struggles together and to see us ban together to fight for something this country needs — affordable education — is amazing. WE are the future of this nation, depriving us of an education is dooming our economy.
Posted by Jill @ 1:00 am | Make a Comment
bonita says:
The tuition hike is probably one of the worst decisions the Regent could have made. Odd, though, that Oldest didn’t mention all the uniforms in riot gear… You must have mixed emotions about her being on campus.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 1:48 amAmber says:
I couldn’t believe it when I heard about the hike. People have a hard enough time sending their kids (or going themselves) to college. First, I would have flipped out at the first text! Second, I imagine you are very proud of your daughters views on this. And please correct me if I’m wrong but doesn’t all state colleges have to have approval from the state to pass the hike? If so, they need to go as far up as they can!
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 2:55 amtrish says:
Wow! I would be worried about her too! I just hope the protests bring about a change in the decision to raise tutition.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 5:10 amtennismom says:
Sounds like she was already smart before she went to UCLA.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 6:59 amKimberlyH says:
Affordable education is something that everyone deserves. A 32% hike in tuition is highway robbery! College is expensive enough as is- I am still racking up loans while I get my masters. I am not sure if I am ever going to be able to pay them all off if they keep raising prices!
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 7:43 amAshley says:
I was thinking the same as tennismom, sounds like you’ve got a smart girl Jill!
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 8:07 amThis is one of the reasons I’ve delayed going back to school, it scares me stupid to have to rack up all those student loans.
Lori says:
I wondered about Oldest during this whole thing. I’m terrified of sending my kids to college – my kids are the same age as Middle and Youngest. Although, at this point, I don’t need to make them go instate – they can pretty much go anywhere and pay what they would have paid in California.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 8:59 amLiza says:
A 32% rate hike is so crazy. I thought it was bad enough that the state of TN has said the will hike tuition 5-7% for next year. I’ve been out of college since 1993 and will make my final student loan payment in the next couple of months. I can’t even imagine how much longer it would take to pay off college now.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 9:21 amLisa Freeman says:
In GA, they’ve said to expect a hike but nowhere near 32%. It’s already a stuggle to pay for college expenses – I can’t imagine what else we would have to cut out to pay that type of increase. But you know, as parents we are going to do what we can to put them through college.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 10:38 amCaroline Storer says:
Oldest is so right! Education is the life blood of the economy and it should be every young persons right to one. Our students had similar riots when our government introduced tuition fees over here in the UK. Looks like it’s a worldwide thing now our government’s has run out of money! Take care. Caroline x
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 10:50 amDonna M says:
This is such a tough argument. Did the regents consider a pay cut for themselves?
Probably not. 
I feel bad for anyone trying to educate their children, the expense is so high no matter where you are. California is in such deep do-do financially I don’t know how it will ever correct all the problems. Enough said.
Yea, I was able to get your holiday Blaze at Wal-Mart yesterday. Now I have two Christmas stories to read by you. I’ll start reading them soon.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 12:06 pmBrandy says:
Your daughter is a smart young lady. I fear for the cost when my daughter will eventually go to college.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 4:01 pmKarin says:
I am extremely disappointed in anyone who will approve a 32% tuition hike. Good job on the students at UCLA for protesting.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 4:47 pmDiana says:
I graduated from a UC school and remember participating in protests during my college days. I totally support the students and other protesters.
Posted on November 24th, 2009 at 7:30 pm