Jennifer Ayala

Jennifer is a student at the University of San Francisco and is a former Campaign Intern at Evolve.

Why is education important to you? 

Education plays a vital role in society in the sense that it has the ability to not only create self-awareness, but also create awareness of the issues that surround your community. As you grow older, it is very difficult not to notice the injustices that take place all over the world and we need education to help us find our own voices to stand up for what is right. Everyone should have access to quality education, yet it is important to note that not all do. Education should not be a privilege, it should be a right. 

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

I have been very fortunate enough to attend private school in the city of San Francisco my whole life. My parents have always been there to support me and push me to do my best. I also have had very great teachers that have pushed me to never lose sight of who I am and who I want to be. Despite going to private school, I was always very aware of the public school system and the challenges many students and teachers face. Due to the lack of funding, classes are often packed with students, students and staff do not feel supported, and teachers lack the resources they need to give their students the best schooling experience. Through more funding for education, together we can change this and help create environments where students can thrive. 

How has the increasing cost of college impacted you?

The increasing cost of college is honestly scary and it would be less stressful is colleges actually offered enough aid. I have not been fortunate enough to receive grants or aid for college and I honestly feel like I am stuck in a hole that keeps getting bigger and bigger every year. This is an issue. Education is the cornerstone of life, yet it costs a fortune to actually obtain a degree.