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January 20, 2006
Editor’s Desk
by Aaron Selbig, insurgent49

[Editor's note: We have a very special treat for you this week at Editor's Desk. Nova Stubbs, co-founder of Insurgent49 (and a proud Seawolf) has written a guest column on the economic pitfalls of university life. Enjoy.]

     It’s been an educational week here at Insurgent Headquarters.

    UAA students returned back to the classroom this week. Some of them were thirsty for knowledge and some were going through the motions in order to earn that sacred (and sometimes near useless) diploma. Whatever the reasons, we were there, like warriors ready to address our fate of yet another semester. 

     After dropping a couple hundred bucks in books (about $600 in my case) we all settled into those chairs ready to endure exams, paper after paper, and that damn tuition that seems to increase yearly. Economic struggle is part of being a student. Is my student loan going to last? Do I have to work more hours at my minimum wage job?

     Therefore, in order to fight against the struggle, I have devised an intricate plan to help all the starving students: the “No More Top Ramen” campaign.

    First, it is important to explore the overall problem and we should all ask ourselves the question: where the hell is our money going?

     Last semester, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) announced they were economically in the red and, therefore, a hiring freeze was put in place. No more new professors to help us expand our minds in English, History, Political Science, Fine Arts, Sociology, Anthropology etc… Yet, there is a fancy new glowing sign in front of the Administration building? A professor once told me “This University isn’t about education, it’s about money.”

    Professor’s salaries vary; however, the adjuncts get paid next to nothing for their services. One of the many courses that I am enrolled in this semester was initially designed to be team-taught, meaning two professors from different disciplines; an inspiring amalgamation of the political science and history in North East Asia. Yet, the CAS won’t and possibly can’t pay for two professors to teach one class. Again, where the hell is our money going? I always believed that professors were the backbone to a “good” college education. 

     Money for education has always seemed to be secondary for the American government. And it is not simply students who should be concerned, but society as a whole. Many people want to further their education, but they can’t afford it. Yes, there are opportunities for government grants, which will pay for ones tuition. Yet, for a single, childless, over twenty four-year-old student to receive a Pell Grant, they must earn (in wages) less than 8,000 dollars a year. This essentially forces a student to take out a student loan, while the lenders (big banks) smile as the interest rates rise. The graduate is then forced to continue their Top Ramen existence.

     Between the lack of state and federal funding and the curious financial allocation methods of UA, students will continually struggle even well after graduation. A poor job market lies on the horizon, while the Top Ramen simmers on the stove. I know a woman with an MA in English from UAA; she is currently waiting tables. I know young man who graduated with a double major in philosophy and history; he lives with his parents.

     Therefore, I propose that each and every student and suffering graduate should join the “No More Top Ramen Campaign” by doing as follows:
                               

Send one Package of Shrimp flavored Ramen to:
Chancellor Elaine Maimon
University of Anchorage Alaska
3211 Providence Drive
Anchorage, Alaska
 99508
with a note attached reading  “Where is our money going?"


Send one package of Beef flavored Top Ramen to:
Governor Frank Murkowski
PO Box 110001
Juneau, AK
99811
with a note attached reading “Where is our money?”


Send one package of Chicken flavored Top Ramen to:
President George W. Bush
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington DC
20400
with a note attached reading “Thank you for the education”



That will be all.

   





Nova Stubbs is a UAA student and co-founder of Insurgent49. She resides in downtown Anchorage at Insurgent Headquarters, and may be contacted at nova@insurgent49.com.
- Columnists -

Editor's Desk
by Aaron Selbig

Red Alert
by Soren Wuerth

Alaskan In Exile
by Neil Zawicki

The
Bramble Bush
by Kevin Morford





- also by this writer -

Stop Requested

Drunk Until Proven Sober
Copyright 2005 Insurgent Media. All rights reserved.
in-sur-gent (in sur'jent), n. 1. a member of a group which  revolts against the policies of its leadership.