Newspaper Page Text
PAGE 2-THE CLUSTER, FEBRUARY *, 1»0
Editorials
Work or Learn— not both
By HEATHER KIMBLE
Editor-In-Chief
Somehow, the education system in America seems a bit contradictory.
What I'm referring to is the emphasis that our society puts on going to
college and its refusal to sufficiently assist students in their quest for this
almighty education. Of course, I don't take issue with the idea that
educating oneself is of utmost importance. However, what does concern
me greatly is the number of students that are forced to work anywhere
from 10 to 40 hours a week to pay for their education. Unfortunately,
education carries such a phenomenally high price tag that often families,
even those that are eligible for some financial aid. still can’t afford it.
As a result, many students are forced to supplement their parent's con
tribution and the government's contribution by taking one, two. or
sometimes three jobs to remain in school.
O.IC. so now George is working at his work study job for three hours
a day. then at the Mall from 3 pm until 6. and finally at Bennigan s,
or a score of other restaurants, until at least 10 pm. Well, if he’s lucky.
George can spend from 10:30 until midnight preparing for the neat day’s
classes. (I may add that I have yet to find a class that can be adequately
prepared for in 1 and a half hours. If you know of such a class at Mercer,
please enlighten me!!!) Finaj£ at 1 am. George is ready for bed. However,
when that 8:00 am class rolls around. George either doesn’t make it to
class at all or makes it there in body only.
This leads me to ask the question, just what kind of education is George
getting? This is by no means a comment on the classes or professors at
Mercer, or any other college for that matter, but a comment on just how
far a student can stretch his/her time. Likewise, this is not a slap at the
financial aid office at Mercer, but in the overall flippancy with which
the federal government financial aid programs treat individuals. How can
society praise the benefits of education and yet prevent or hinder in
dividuals from partaking of this institution by forcing them to spend more
time working than learning. For that matter, how can society sanction
the incredibly low salaries offered to the educators of this country.
So what am I advocating? A socialist form of edo^Doo? No. not real
ly. However. 1 do feel quite strongly that foe government should sub
sidize foe education system of this country a great deal more. Let George
stay in foe class room. After all, at foe worst, society will receive better
educated, higher quality individuals to continue us work.
The Cluster Needs
Writers!
Sports
News
Features
Entertainment
Editorials
If interested call 752-2871, or drop a note
in Box A.
A decade in review
Mercer nominated by Playboy
for ability to party CLA facu/>* ote
Sorority
ite °^Scto? arates
tore a Se s ed,fa «o„
n “n les i&tyell t*
CAS closed, r &ma, e 11 Hall
two trustees resign ^
Mercer students potest
possible calend^ change
any P** 5 ™ 8
Sort
,,.<6
c* * i0 o'; 4 ,
Reagan to be 40th president
Hmer lit Cluster
Editor-In-Chief I Heather Kimble
Associate Editor Marcus Durham
Activities Page Editor Jennifer Neal
Features Editor Chris Carrollton
Entertainment Editor R^h Benson
Sports Editor Anthony Hooker
Chief Photographer Michael Lake
Advisor Gary Blackburn
Technical Consultant David Tucker
Staff Writers
Bryant Chitwood, Gwen Pollock, Chuck Junkins, Jeff Bowers, Jodie Evans, Tobie Gass,
Travis Gravell, Rhett Thomas, Mark Rosen, Michelle Renn, Jarome Gautreaux, Drew
Nord, Trish Warrick and Terry Browning.
Address: A, Mercer. Office located on third floor of the Student Center. 752-2871.
The Mercer Cluster welcomes letters to the editor. They should be concise and typewritten.
Letters must be signed and should be accompanied by a current address and telephone
number. Letters should be addressed to the Editor-In-Chief.
Opinions expressed in The Mercer Cluster are those of the editor or the writer of the
article and are not necessarily those of the university or student body.