Facing Uncertainty in the Face of Evolving Legislation: A Young Person’s Journey Toward Education and Stability
As a 20-year-old navigating a tumultuous beginning, I find myself increasingly overwhelmed by the barriers standing in the way of my dreams. My journey began in May when I moved from Alabama to Texas—an upheaval driven by circumstances beyond my control, including being excluded from stable housing and ending up living out of my car. My initial plan was to establish a foothold here, work at menial jobs, and eventually gain admission to a university, with the hope of participating in study abroad programs or enrolling directly in foreign institutions.
So far, I’ve managed to earn a 3.6 GPA at a community college over two semesters, with the goal of leveraging this foundation to continue my education. However, recent legislative changes, specifically the introduction of what’s been called the “Big Beautiful Bill,” threaten to derail these aspirations. Relying on SNAP benefits and facing the very real prospect of homelessness, I feel my dreams of studying overseas slipping away. My original plan was to use my community college GPA to transfer into a university here in Texas, then pursue opportunities abroad—which now seems increasingly unfeasible.
The core challenge lies in navigating the complexities of international credit recognition. I’ve been researching countries like Germany, which I am somewhat familiar with, but their policies on community college credits are unclear, and my low high school GPA (a 2.1 due to familial pressures) further complicates the picture. I graduated under difficult circumstances, and now, facing financial hardship, I worry that the pathway to higher education may be sealed shut. If I lose access to SNAP or become homeless again, my only option might be to drop out and consider trade school—yet, my true passion lies in forensic science, a field I’ve fought hard to pursue.
My frustration grows as I feel the weight of the challenges stacked against me. I am striving not only for my own future but also to pave a smoother road for my sister. The thought that she might not have the opportunities I hope to create for her is heartbreaking. To broaden my skills, I’ve started learning German, though I remain open to opportunities in other countries like the UK or the Netherlands. The question is: what is the most realistic and effective next step?
Is attending community college still worthwhile? Should I attempt to enroll in a local university, or is it time to consider international options—maybe even taking some