Emily Cagape

Emily Cagape is a graduate of the University of San Francisco and the Campaign Coordinator at Evolve.

Why is education important to you?

Education is one of the most important social institutions because it gives us not only the knowledge, values, skills and opportunities needed to succeed, but also the ability to recognize inequalities and to be critical of them. Every person deserves equal access to a quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Unfortunately, not everybody has access to this.

How has California's lack of education funding negatively impacted you?

I was fortunate enough to attend private school from preschool through 8th grade and then a charter school for my freshmen year in high school. At those schools, I had several resources such as tutoring and college preparation as well as passionate teachers who continuously challenged me to think critically of the world. The next year, I transferred to my home public school—one of the lowest funded public high schools in San Jose. Classes were overcrowded, teachers were overwhelmed, and resources were severely limited. I was lucky enough to transfer to a different public school that had enough funding to provide programs such as Middle College. In Middle College I took college classes nearly full time as a high schooler. I feel so grateful to have been given such an amazing opportunity through my home public school.

However, kids shouldn’t have to transfer to schools or go to private schools to have a quality education. Lack of education funding amongst schools leads to more inequality. We deserve to have equal education opportunities regardless of where we live or whether we can afford it or not.

How has the increasing cost of college impacted you?

I go to a private university and while I really love it here, the tuition is extremely high. University would have been absolutely unaffordable for me if I did not have the numerous amount of scholarships and grants funding my education. When applying for universities in high school, I had to take into account my financial barriers. I got into one of my dream schools but because the tuition there was too high and my scholarships did not count in other states, I had to turn down my acceptance there or else face crushing student debts. In the end, I chose the college that gave me the most funding. I am extremely fortunate to have gotten nearly a full scholarship but even so, I struggle financially. While trying to focus full time on my studies, I have had to have a job throughout all of my university years—sometimes multiple jobs at a time. After leaving the dorms, I have had to pay my own rent, utilities, and groceries by myself without other financial support. Just the cost of living near school is difficult; imagine having to pay high tuition bills on top on that. Without scholarships, I wouldn't even be in college. Even after I graduate, I will have small loans to pay back. How can higher education be more accessible when it's simply not affordable to most?