Why Tagging FAFSA in Prom Photos Is Unjust and Petty: A Deeper Look
There is a culture, particularly within certain circles, that seems to perpetuate a notion of tagging FAFSA in prom photos to see if a financial aid organization would deny financial assistance. This form of behavior is not only unsportsmanlike but also rooted in a misunderstanding and misrepresentation of the reality of college tuition costs and financial aid.
Understanding the FAFSA and Financial Aid
FAFSA stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. College tuition, as we all know, is incredibly expensive. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, the average rate of in-state tuition and fees at a four-year public university is approximately $10,230 for the 2019-2020 academic year. For a private university, this figure is as high as $37,650, on average. This is a significant amount of money, and while some students do have enough resources to pay for their tuition, many rely on financial aid to make higher education possible.
So, when someone tags FAFSA in a prom photo, they are essentially using a moment meant to celebrate and immortalize a special occasion, as a tool to see if a financial aid organization would potentially deny them aid. This is not only unkind but also unimaginative and counterproductive. It assumes a worldview where the person seeking financial aid is content to suffer the embarrassment of being seen as poor or struggling. Many may strive for success and achievement, and the idea of having their financial needs verified in such a manner is patronizing and disrespectful.
The Reality of Prom Expenses
Let's consider the perspective of a student like the one in the story. She saved up her own paychecks since December, did her own hair and makeup, and even used her boyfriend's father’s car. Her expenses for the prom were minimal and included purchasing a dress and shoes, styling her hair, and arranging transportation. This is a stellar example of how some students manage to celebrate prom without the resource-rich backdrop of others' families.
For a comparison, consider the author's own prom experience. While my mother bought the prom ticket, my stepmom made and created the dress, and my friends' families provided transportation and dinner, my family's investment was relatively modest. The total for my prom was around $225, with the dress costing around $200, the ticket just $25, and the rest spent on materials and pattern for the dress. This example illustrates the wide variation in spending and resources between different family backgrounds.
Putting the FAFSA in Context
The act of tagging FAFSA in a prom photo reflects a deeper issue: the misunderstanding of both the culture of prom and the complexity of financial aid. Prom is a celebration of reaching a significant milestone in a student's life, and it should be a time of joy and solidarity among peers. It's a moment that deserves to be remembered positively and without ridicule.
Financial aid is designed to help students who genuinely need it. It's a tool to level the playing field and ensure that no student is denied higher education due to financial constraints. The idea of tagging FAFSA in prom photos is a manifestation of a culture of guilt and shame, and it trivializes the significance of a student’s financial needs.
A Call for Empathy and Understanding
It's important to recognize that students from all backgrounds face unique challenges in securing the resources they need for higher education. Prom, in itself, is a moment to celebrate and mark the transition into adulthood, and it should be cherished by all students, regardless of their family circumstances. By tagging FAFSA in prom photos, someone is not only attempting to deprive a student of an opportunity to succeed but is also perpetuating harmful stereotypes about financial need.
Investing time and energy into a hobby or finding a constructive way to engage with one's community would likely be more fulfilling than appearing petty and insulting to others. In this era, empathy and understanding are crucial. Promoting a culture of support and inclusivity will lead to a more positive and respectful society.