We’re adults—supporting children while going to school,full-time—and often among the poorest persons in this country.

We’re a growing segment of this or any University’s population; but so far not a big enough segment here to be highly visible or for our special needs to be automtically considered when University officials make financial decisions affecting our lives.

Case in point: the decision to require holders of the Public Aid medical “green card” to buy student health insurance. Not until several persons put under unnecessary additional financial hardship by this decision spoke to officials about their situation was the policy changed.

The lesson for tiny disadvantaged minorities: while scrambling up the educational ladder, take time to be your own advocate to the “powers-that-be.” No one but you understands your best interests or will make sure you are as well served as larger groups.

The insurance policy was changed Tuesday, Sept. 11. Maybe its time now to start talking to the University about the many student services, such as the Student Recreation Center, that we will never have time to use, but are forced through student fees to help pay for.[[XR]]

Dale Ingersoll

Graduate Student

Psychology Department