Letter to the Editor: Our relationship with alumni must improve

Joshua Lane

Junior

International Relations

I applaud the writer who wrote “Students share thoughts on student debt crisis in America” on November 17, 2016 for his efforts in bringing forth attention on this issue, especially when he quoted a statistic from 2012 comparing debt held by students from private institutions versus public institutions.

It helps provide perspective on how good we, public schoolers, have it in affording university education. However, although those who attend private schools have to pay more they often have better alumni networks, and perhaps a better environment regarding mere ambitions of other students. This explains why they have better networks which grant more, lucrative opportunities after graduation.

In my opinion, all current students at Florida International University need to have more ambition among not only ourselves, but for our colleagues if we wish to attract more of our alumni in giving back in productive ways comparably speaking to private schools like the University of Miami.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that our admission officers have to be more selective in allowing more STEM-motivated students in, and catering financial aid packages accordingly. This would mean, perhaps, requiring some sort of letter of intent for future students, including those who wish to transfer or come back after dropping out.

All the same, expect more regardless of one’s major. For instance, an international relations or political science major setting themselves to be some sort of an analyst who uses statistical models in evaluating, or creating, strategies relating to national security, or in general to establish world peace.

Or, for an English major in setting the stage in writing their debut novel that is worthy to be reviewed by The New York Times. Or, finally, a business major utilizing extensive statistical models for better running a business in the 21st Century.

Debt is something that everybody must live with, and this article touched upon that. Much appreciated.

DISCLAIMER:

Letters to the Editor are not written by FIUSM Staff. They are submitted by readers of The Beacon. These views are separate from editorials and reflect individual perspectives of contributing writers and/or members of the University community.

Image retrieved from Flickr.