By Sarah Jacques
Round Table editor
During their freshman and sophomore years of high school, many students simply daydream about their careers. The future seems far away, so the teenagers feel at ease with running a variety of careers through their minds, occasionally considering a few jobs as serious possibilities.
However, when students enter junior year, these carefree daydreams turn into a frantic game to determine one of the most important decisions a young adult will ever make – which college to attend that will not only suit the student’s intended major but cost as little as possible. At this point, the students not only will research a college’s atmosphere, majors, and dorms, but what kind of scholarships are available.
Scholarships are lifelines for many incoming college freshmen who are in dire need of financial aid. They can be the deciding factor in whether some students will be able to attend not only a certain college, but any college.
In a world where financial aid for college is at least partially needed in most households, scholarships seem like the perfect solution to give hard-working students a chance to pursue their interests and develop successful careers. But where should the line be drawn over what certain qualifications a student must possess in order to receive help financially for college?
Organizations such as The Imagine Fund are offering scholarship money to students based upon uncontrollable factors or a specific religious faith supported by the youth. The official website of The Imagine Fund has clearly stated its view: “Students of color, of diverse ethnicity, religion and national origin, women, LGBT students, and students with disabilities who are currently enrolled or interested in attending college are eligible to apply [for scholarships].”
The Imagine Fund defends these character biases through the belief that the only way students will grow to respect different races, cultures, and beliefs is if diversity is present in the classroom. This is true, but where is the line drawn over what specific races, ethnicities, and religions receive financial aid?
It seems as if scholarships are present for every single race except Caucasian. The other races are deemed minorities, and are granted attention and aid from organizations determined to level out the apparently unfair playing field.
It seems like now, in the 21st century, society has gone to great lengths to equalize opportunities for all races, and has been successful. Still, as far as scholarships go, whites are largely excluded; a Caucasian-only scholarship would be considered “racist,” even though scholarships granted only to African-Americans or women are considered generous and philanthropic.
That’s not to say Caucasian-only scholarships should exist. Scholarships highlighting certain races may be intended to prevent segregation of races and promote equality, but by purposely pointing out minorities and differences in ethnicities and races, how will the cause for equality ever advance?
Many women would be offended by receiving scholarships simply because they are female. They would rather be rewarded for intelligence or skill than for characteristics they cannot control.
The goal of universities should be unifying all people, regardless of differences, be it a darker shade of skin, a gender, or height. Instead of granting compensation to minorities, all cultures and beliefs should be treated equally, and scholarships should be based on equality and respect.