The Struggles of Low Income Students

By: Jessica Martinez Turcios

Hook
At times college students aren’t able to finish college because
of their low income. A percentage of 54% of higher-income
students acquire their college degrees, while only 9% of the
lower-income students do.
Topic introduction
● First generation students with a low income household are
often incapable of obtaining college degrees. In some cases
being because they did not pass an exam or did not have
time to study because of multiple jobs.
● Often times students end up living a double life from their
college life and outside life. This balance eventually creates
a rift in the student’s studies.
Thesis & Main Points
The majority of students suffer from the consequences of the economy they were
raised in, which affects their college life.

● The parents of the students without a college degree don’t achieve a high
paying career.
● Having a criminal record in which they have regrets in.
● Minimum wage jobs don’t cover the cost for their college expenses.
Effect from parent
First generation students suffer from not having the support of a parent who has
college experience. Without the college experience they’re not aware of resources
or programs that could help the student. Which also brings to the parent not
having professional networks. Which causes the student not having any guidance
from the parent.
One’s past
Someone from a low income household often grows up to be in what would be
called “the projects” which causes in some cases, some students to have a criminal
background. From driving without a license to committing robberies or any acts of
violence. All of which can get a minor a record which could prevent colleges from
accepting a student because of their mistakes and regrets as a teenager.
Work too hard
The expenses for college are a great deal even with the application fees for a
college.Some students end up working two minimum wage jobs rather than getting
any type of internships. This creates a ripple effect. Working two jobs to pass by a
semester to pay any type of expenses for college could distract a student and
prevent them from having time to study. Without any time to study they are
destined to fail an exam. Which then they fail a class, all in which sets a student up
for failure.
The Solution
A way that could fix this problem is the student’s school is able to rent any
necessities for their class at a cheaper price to rent or to borrow any items the
student could need. It would be helpful to also get any type of aid towards finding
a job which fits a student’s class schedule that could as well pay enough to be both
a student and an employee.
● A student having a mentor who went through the same struggles be able to
guide them through college would be beneficial.
● This motivates and doesn’t give the student a feeling of being alone or
isolated from the rest of the college students.
Closing statement
Students are affected by the economy they were raised in. That gets fixed with the
help of a mentor that gives guidance and support.

● Always consider a student could need help. If a student seems as if they are
slacking don’t assume as if they do it on purpose. They might just not have all
their resources.
● If an authority would have any knowledge or experience from being a low
income student, help from them would be needed and wanted.
Thank you!
Any questions?fud