Navigating Education and Future Opportunities Amid Changing Legislation: A Personal Perspective
As I reflect on my journey so far, I feel compelled to share my story in hopes of gaining insight and guidance. I recently celebrated my 20th birthday and that same month, I made the difficult decision to relocate from Alabama to Texas after facing homelessness and being asked to leave my previous living situation. I moved in with my former stepfather, hoping to stabilize my circumstances, but I recognize that this arrangement isn’t sustainable in the long term.
My current challenge is securing employment; despite numerous applications, I face continuous rejection even for entry-level positions. While I am prepared to work for minimum wage, my primary goal remains education. I initially aimed to enroll at a university in Texas, leveraging my academic record—an overall GPA of 3.6 after two semesters at community college—with aspirations of participating in a study abroad program or transferring to an international institution.
However, recent legislative changes, notably the passing of “Big Beautiful Bill,” have cast doubt over my plans. Relying on SNAP benefits and facing imminent homelessness, I fear that affording higher education here is becoming increasingly unlikely. My dream of going overseas was conceived as a strategic step to expand my horizons and pursue forensic science, a field I am passionate about. My plan was to use my community college GPA as a stepping stone into a university here, then transfer abroad, perhaps to Germany or other European countries like the UK or Netherlands, which seem amenable to international students.
Regrettably, my academic background complicates this aspiration. My high school GPA was only 2.1 due to early interruptions caused by familial circumstances, including my mother’s decisions that forced me out of school. I graduated, but I worry that my prior academic record could hinder my prospects abroad, especially since some countries do not recognize community college credits or GPA equivalencies.
Given these obstacles, I’m contemplating whether attending a trade school might be a practical alternative, even though my goals are rooted in scientific study. The thought of abandoning my original pursuit of forensic science feels disheartening, but I can’t ignore the financial and logistical realities I face. I want better for myself and my sister, and I am committed to forging a future that offers stability and opportunity.
To that end, I’ve started learning German, not because I’m committed to Germany exclusively, but because I see value in broadening my language skills and potential cultural integration. I am also open to exploring options