Navigating Education and Future Opportunities Amid Evolving Legislation: A Personal Reflection
As a young adult who recently turned 20, I find myself at a challenging crossroads in my journey toward higher education and a stable future. In May, I made the decision to relocate from Alabama to Texas, primarily due to unforeseen circumstances—being asked to leave my previous living situation and facing homelessness, ultimately living out of my car. I initially moved to Texas to reside with a former stepfather, hoping to build a new beginning. However, long-term stability remains elusive.
Despite persistent efforts to secure employment, I continue to face rejection for even the most basic positions. While I am willing to accept minimum wage roles, my primary goal has always been to attend university—either locally or abroad—by leveraging my academic achievements at the community college level. Currently, I maintain a 3.6 GPA after two semesters, which I hoped would facilitate entry into a university here in Texas or help me find pathways overseas.
Unfortunately, recent legislative changes—specifically what I refer to as Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”—pose significant financial obstacles. Relying on SNAP benefits to meet my basic needs, I now worry about the possibility of losing these supports, which could lead to homelessness once again. My aspiration to study abroad was always rooted in the hope of broadening my horizons, but these new barriers threaten to make that ambition a distant dream.
Adding to my concerns, my high school GPA was only 2.1, due to early and repeated expulsion attempts driven by my mother’s beliefs, which hindered my education. Despite overcoming that past and earning a community college GPA of 3.6, I now question whether foreign universities will recognize my credits or regard my academic record favorably. Countries like Germany, which I’ve explored as potential options, often do not consider community college credits, complicating my plans further.
The reality of my academic background and current financial situation has left me feeling overwhelmed and disheartened. I am contemplating abandoning my current path of community college and considering trade school as an alternative, though my passion lies in pursuing forensic science—a field I fought hard to enter. It’s frustrating to feel as though systemic and legislative obstacles are working against me at every turn.
Beyond personal ambitions, I am motivated by a desire to create a better future for my sister. I want to pave a smoother path for her, but I fear that my struggles might jeopardize her prospects. To improve my