American with a Hyphen

By: Nina Salameh

The persisting inequities in my school became impossible to ignore during college applications. My parents were both educated in the Middle East. As an Arab-American student, I wasn’t able to access the few resources for first-generation college students, but was a first-generation American whose parents had no knowledge of American higher education. I did FAFSA on my own, edited my essays, decided which colleges to apply to; and thought this was the norm. Later, in a conversation with friends when they mentioned their privately hired college counselors who were advising them, I was shocked. My family didn’t have the funds for a private counselor to be an option, and my school counselors were so overburdened that they didn’t even know my name. 

Our public school system creates an environment that unfortunately mimics the outside world - those who are privileged have access to resources ensuring their future privilege. Meanwhile, students like me are left on their own, and underpaid, overworked counselors don’t have the time to address the unique identities and situations of each student. We must increase funding for public schools so all students have access to the future they deserve!