Ask Mads anything—answering your questions and giving advice with all the wisdom of a broke English major.

The Cost of College and The Benefits of Getting Involved

Q: Dear Mads- Should college be free? – Brennan B.

A: While sometimes I truly wish it was, when it comes down to it no, I don’t think college should be free. Definitely not community college. Four year universities on the other hand could stand to shave a few thousand dollars of their tuition. They shouldn’t be free, I understand it costs money to have housing and twenty-four-hour ice cream machines. But that much money makes my stomach hurt. I don’t care how nice of a school it is or how many amenities it has—that obscene amount of money is going into somebody’s deep, greedy pockets. It seems unfair that so many people should have to pass at an opportunity to live on their own in a place they’ve never been not because of grades, but because of money. In my oh-so humble opinion community colleges know what’s up. I work a minimum wage job and am able to pay for every semester out of pocket. I didn’t even get a job until I was a senior in high school, so it’s not as if I had stacks on stacks saved up. There are people who have to skip out on four year universities, but everyone should be able to pay for community college with a little hard work.

Q: Dear Mads- How can I get more involved on campus? – Caitlyn D.

A: Well, funny you should ask! I’ve heard that a student-run newspaper has just gotten started and they’re super motivated, but they need more reporters. It’s a good way to put yourself out there (but you know, not too out there) and there’s a spot for everyone no matter where you land on the social spectrum. But, in all seriousness Cecil offers a variety of clubs and activities. At the beginning of every month an e-blast is sent out by the Communications Office containing information on movie nights, scholarships, seminars, trips, and any other special events. I always want to go, but never have anyone to go with so if you all read the e-blasts and join The Squawk then we can plan to go to things together. Boom, problem solved. There’s also a list of clubs available on https://www.cecil.edu/ under the Campus Life tab, you can email student life if you’re interested in joining any. There will also be a Club Day at the beginning of next semester. There you can meet the people involved and dip your little toes in the water. Honestly, I almost accidentally joined this particular club. It’s my first year at Cecil, I’m suffering through an identity crisis, and I’m not a club person—I’m not loud, it takes me quite a while to warm up to people and start being myself around them, but so far, it’s been nothing but positive. So, if you’re hesitant or introverted or just don’t like people, I’d say go out of your way and give it a try anyways. If even the social and intellectual aspects can’t convince you, clubs and activities on campus make you a more viable option on the job market and more appealing to college admissions. So really, you should just suck it up and do it.

Send your questions to askmads101@gmail.com.

Featured image by Scott Andreasen-Bennett