This photo was taken the day I graduated with my masters in college counseling from Western Michigan University in 2010. I am the first in my family to receive a graduate degree. This to me epitomizes the stratification of the middle class. It became a necessity for me to go on for my education after I graduated in 2005 and the economy went downhill. I was one of many college graduates who grew up in the Clinton era of prosperity and then, began college when the White House leadership changed parties. I applied for multiple jobs after earning my bachelors degree and consistently found positions with the same salary as someone with a high school degree. I knew in order to find more opportunities, it involved moving out of state or going back to school. I chose going back to school since I knew I would not be as motivated later in life and I did not have the means to move somewhere with more opportunities, however a higher cost of living. Since I graduated, I found a university position in which I advise students returning to receive their bachelors degree at a university center on a community college campus.
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
