Follow your dreams; except if you are poor

BY BRITTNEY CHANNER

When we are young, we are taught that no matter who we are, what we look like, and where we come from, we can achieve anything that our hearts desire. It is this type of thinking that has kept me and a number of other education-minded folks secure in times of adversity. Heck, this type of thinking is the only way I continue to survive and maintain my sanity if I am being honest. It keeps me grounded and somehow when I feel like throwing in the towel, it reminds me that there are others who are going through worse and still find ways to accomplish their dreams despite the many obstacles.

However, I have noticed, as I’ve gotten older, and matured into a young adult, this form of positive thinking that has been instilled into many children, slowly dissipates and is then replaced with conditions. What types of conditions you may ask? Well, conditions such as, “You can be successful; ONLY IF, you have money” or “ONLY IF you come from a good neighbourhood,” or “ONLY IF you’re wealthy,” otherwise, it isn’t worth it. At this point, some of you may be wondering, “What sparked such an odd writing topic?” Well, the answer to that question is simply frustration.

The amount of times I have heard one of these sayings in pursuit of my goals is disturbingly repetitive; the worse being the all too familiar, “Brittney, Be Realistic!” Realistic, a word that I feel serves as a reminder of why your dreams aren’t valid or attainable. It is another way others may choose to cast doubt. I do acknowledge that some of these phrases may come from friends and family who do mean well, but it’s also important to understand that these phrases are projected on us. A simple, “You Can Do It,” is the best support that can be offered.

Pursuing higher education is something that many people including myself take pride in. The older I became, I began to appreciate school and the art of learning and discovering new ways of comprehending information. Now, I can also play devil’s advocate and say that one does not need a university degree or a college diploma to learn information, as knowledge is free and can be learned on your own. However, the cards that I have been dealt with required me to learn information within these institutions. Nevertheless, the constant reminder of “being realistic,” and the expensive higher education are always thrown in my direction and the direction of many others who try to achieve the impossible.

Now, I do understand, when considering careers like medical school, masters programs, law degrees, it is in the person’s best interest to be aware of the financial component that comes with it. However, it should not the sole basis or requirement that determines if one should proceed with their dream or not. Additionally, arguments as such stem from a bigger issue, which is essentially one’s access to education. At what point are education and its affordability seen as a right and not a privilege? If it is seen as a privilege, why are their obstacles in place to prevent certain types of individuals from attaining such academic stature?

I want to end by telling the readers about an article that I recently read online surrounding a graduate program. The bold headline said, “The Poor Need Not Apply.” My first thought was, Why? If any individual wants to achieve a career that they feel passionate about, why should something like money prevent them from doing so? This left me wondering, if the Canadian dream exists, why is it only marketed towards selected people?