Facing Uncertainty in the Age of Policy Changes: A Young Adult’s Struggle and Search for Direction
As a 20-year-old who recently experienced significant life upheaval, I find myself at a crossroads filled with uncertainty and doubt. In May, I celebrated my birthday under challenging circumstances: having moved from Alabama to Texas after being kicked out, I was forced to live in my car. I initially came here to reunite with my ex-stepfather, but that arrangement is unsustainable in the long term.
Despite my efforts, gaining employment has been an uphill battle; I continue to face rejection for even the most basic positions. I remain persistent, applying tirelessly, and am prepared to accept minimum-wage work if necessary. However, my primary goal is different.
My dream has always been to pursue higher education—either study abroad or attend a university in Texas. I managed to enroll in a community college, maintaining a 3.6 GPA after two semesters. This GPA was supposed to serve as a stepping stone for me to transfer into a university here or abroad.
But recent changes introduced by legislation potentially threaten the financial stability of my plans. With the implementation of Trump’s new bill, I am concerned that University education in Texas may soon become unaffordable for me. I rely heavily on SNAP benefits, and my current situation teeters on the brink of homelessness. What once felt like a distant aspiration—to study overseas—now feels like an urgent escape from my circumstances. I had envisioned leveraging my GPA at the community college to transfer into a university domestically, then eventually abroad, perhaps in Germany, which I am most familiar with.
Unfortunately, international recognition of community college credits is uncertain, and I worry that my low high school GPA—2.1, largely due to my mother’s oppressive influence—may hinder my chances elsewhere. Graduation was a struggle; I was forced out of school multiple times, and I scarcely managed to finish. Now, with limited educational foundation, the barriers seem insurmountable.
If I can no longer afford university here, or if essential support services are withdrawn, my fallback will be trade school. But that’s not the path I want. I was passionate about forensic science, and I stood firm to pursue that dream. It’s disheartening to feel so blocked by circumstances seemingly beyond my control.
At this moment, I feel utterly lost. I’m trying to carve out a better future not just for myself but also for my sister—hoping to