State of NJ Considers Cutting Student Support Programs

Student Speaks Out in Letter to Senator

By: Peter Liu

Posted: 3/14/08

Dear Senator Sweeny and Assemblyman Burzichelli,

I am a student in the Educational Opportunity Fund (EOF) at Salem Community College. Since 1968, the Educational Opportunity Fund Program has been one of the most successful ongoing investments made by the State of New Jersey. The fund provides higher education opportunities to New Jersey residents, who without the program's outreach and support, college would be a remote dream. Approximately 10% of all first-time New Jersey freshmen that attend college in the state enroll through the EOF program. The Educational Opportunity Fund Program provides academic and financial support to students, like me, who come from educationally and or economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
As a minority citizen living within of the United States, my parents have always advocated that education is the key to a better future. I didn't realize the importance of my parent's advice until I was about fourteen years old. At the time, I realized the reasons why my parents wanted me to succeed more than anything else. The reason was that my parents never completed a college level education before moving into the United States, and they were well aware that there was no future in staying within the lower socioeconomic classes.
As blue-collar workers, my parents were constantly working to support the family. There were times when the labor-intensive work was unbearable, yet they sacrificed their time and effort to ensure that I would have a chance to improve quality of life. After years of hard work, my parents were only able to supply a portion of the funds necessary for college education. With the help of the EOF program, I was able to obtain some financial assistance needed to pay off my education. Without the support of the EOF program, along with the dedicated advisory staff at Salem Community College, I would not have been able to experience a higher education. By eliminating the EOF program, the efforts of alumni and prospective students will be placed in jeopardy.
I am writing to ask you to continue to support the EOF program. Since 1968, over 20,000 students have graduated from college and made significant contributions to society as state legislators, nurses, doctors, attorneys, scientists, educators, business entrepreneurs, and community service personnel. They have served in countless productive roles, far beyond what could have been expected had EOF not been there to help them turn their aspirations into reality.

Sincerely,

Peter Q. Liu