Hard work antidote for lack of grants

This is in response to Glen Ramos’ letter (Aug. 9 Frontiersman) supporting Mark Begich as the “education candidate” for the Senate. Ramos expresses concerns that “too many competent young men and women complete their high school education without even the hope of considering the pursuit of a college degree or technical training due to the high cost alone.” He blames present economics and the “erosion of financial programs, e.g. grants, loans and scholarships, both public and private” for their predicament. Supposedly Begich would support increased federal (taxpayer) funding for present and future programs.

I disagree with his position on the need for more programs of this sort. In my experience, if a person wants something enough, they will find a way to achieve their goal through their own efforts rather than relying on grants, loans, scholarships, parents, etc.

In the 1950s I decided on a career which required a bachelor of science degree. My parents could provide no funding (just lots of love, encouragement and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches). Neither my grades nor athletic ability warranted a scholarship. There were no taxpayer loan programs available. Consequently, it was my responsiblity to finance what was necessary to reach the goal.

By working every vacation (planting trees, fighting fires, trail work, washing dishes, peeling vegetables, stocking shelves — anything available) and living frugally (no trips for fun, no TV, no car until my junior year, etc.), I was able to reach my goal in four years. No debt to be repaid and a sense of well being for achieving the degree through my own efforts were “icing on the cake.”

If I could do it, why can’t others? I believe they can, despite the economic conditions they encounter, if the desire to succeed is there!

By the way, none of the schools I attended had a school psychologist.

John Raynor

Wasilla