Film Response Interview: Alyssa Albano

      Students should be able to express their beliefs, correct? Many would like to agree and say yes.  However, after viewing a video of the student protests and walkouts at University of California, Berkeley certain opinions and views may have been altered.  The video mentioned refers to a youtube clip of the protest and rally against the increase of tuition prices.  The ever increasing cost of attending post-secondary education is an issue which affects many students throughout the United States, as well as Canada.  Despite the current suffering economy, the prices for education continue to be raised.

      Alyssa Albano, a first year student attending Wilfrid Laurier University - Brantford campus, had a rather insightful opinion on the protest and rally which were displayed in the youtube clip.  "It is evident that the students have a passion for attending university and receiving an education.  However, the financial fees are causing this desire to be harmed.  Eventually, these universities who keep raising their fees will not have any students who can even afford to attend," stated Albano.  

      According to a recent survey by Statistics Canada, post-secondary tuition fees across Canada increased by an average of 4% this year.  "Canada is on the verge of bankrupting an entire generation," according to a statement by the Canadian Federation for Students.  It is not only the increase in fees that affects students, but the ever decreasing amount of financial aid which is available.  OSAP assistance and bursaries are becoming less available, while the number of students continues to be on the rise.  How are students expected to attend university, have one or two part-time jobs, and maintain good grades when the financial struggles they face drastically increase the stress in their lives.  

      "Immigrants come to the United States for a better life and more opportunities, and as soon as they are achieving their goals, they are ripped away from them.  When you live in a country other than the United States or Canada, you view these countries as having endless opportunities.  It is not as simple as one would think though," said Albano.  "And it is not just immigrants, but also everyday citizens who face these struggles with the suffering economy."

      Students are faced with challenges on a daily basis.  However, shouldn't a student who maintains good grades and works hard not have to suffer just because of financial resources?  Are we not denying these students their right to learn?  Education is a key factor in one's life and upbringing.  If early education is available to individuals at no cost, why can we not look into changing fees for post-secondary education?  Equality for all should be taught, practiced and maintained at all levels of education.