A reflection on the degree of free
Dear student of life, (from another student)
Along the way, we’re all called upon to pay for stuff. Let’s ignore for now whether we need that stuff, and let’s assume that we all have the means to pay, even if it involves a line of credit and a mortgage. Or a governmental deficit.
Recently, the government has called upon you to pay more for your education. Yes, in Utopia, that would not happen, and everything would be free. We don’t live there. You have responded, loudly, with the same word used by four year olds: No. Non. Nein. Nyet. Etc. We understand the response.
You’ve explained, from your public podium (at the foot of important bridges, in front of public buildings, via the media) that you are part of a greater “project for society”. That your education profits all of us, no matter the cost.
May I request, then, that you also offer to freeze your future salaries, for an indefinite period. And abstain from certain other societal projects, such as subsidized daycare, full medical services, etc. After all, we’re all called upon to do our part for the greater cause, and you shouldn’t expect to double or triple dip. You are educated enough (and will be even more so with your university degree) to understand the need.
I joke, but barely. In Canada, like the majority of other countries, post-secondary education is not free. I searched for your Holy Grail, via the Internet, and everybody hurts.
To quote from a famous author, TANSTAAFL.
And for the record, you are not “on strike”. You are boycotting… something that you have already paid for. The government is not quaking in fear at your threat that “schools can’t handle a double cohort of students, should we fail this session”. There will be fewer places at the table for the rest, that’s all.
As for making up your missed classes during the summer, or on weekends: you might want to check with your professors about how much they’re willing to do for free. After all, a tuition freeze is one thing. Out and out working for nothing is something else. Feel free to offer your services in future, though; this is a project for society.
