Balancing Books and Budgets: The Hidden Struggle of College Life

As a biology pre-med major at a CUNY college in New York, I’ve always been passionate about pursuing my dream of becoming a doctor. However, the journey has been far from easy, especially when it comes to meeting my basic needs. Balancing a rigorous academic schedule with the realities of food insecurity has been one of the most significant challenges I’ve faced as a student. While I work a per-diem job to support myself, the hours are inconsistent, and the pay is barely enough to cover my expenses. As an adult student, I don’t have the luxury of relying on family support, and the demands of my major leave little room for a part-time or full-time job. This has forced me to make difficult choices, like skipping meals or eating smaller portions to stretch my limited budget for other necessities like textbooks and transportation.

One of the most disheartening moments in my journey was when I applied for SNAP benefits. After reviewing my FAFSA student index and Medicaid eligibility, I was confident that I qualified for the program. I was excited at the prospect of finally being able to afford healthy, fulfilling meals without constantly worrying about my next meal. I even started planning how I would meal prep to ensure I was eating enough to stay focused and energized for my studies. However, my application was denied because SNAP requires students to work at least 20 hours a week to qualify. This was a devastating blow. I felt stuck—unable to work more hours due to my academic workload, yet unable to access the support I desperately needed.

Fortunately, while researching the Young Invincibles program as a prospective applicant, I came across a testimonial from a student who had faced a similar situation. She shared how she utilized her campus food pantry to help meet her needs. This was a turning point for me. I immediately checked if my CUNY campus had a similar resource and was relieved to discover that it did. That same day, I filled out an application to receive food from the pantry. While it wasn’t a permanent solution, it provided immediate relief and allowed me to focus more on my studies without the constant stress of food insecurity.

This experience taught me an important lesson: even when colleges have resources to support students, lack of awareness and advocacy can prevent those resources from reaching the students who need them most. I had no idea my campus had a food pantry until I stumbled upon that testimonial. This realization has motivated me to become an advocate for my peers. I now make it a point to share information about campus resources like the food pantry with other students. I also hope to work with my college to improve how they communicate these resources to students, ensuring that everyone who needs help knows where to find it.

 Many students at York College also face serious challenges beyond food insecurity, including homelessness and financial hardship. Through the school website, I learned about the One York Emergency Relief Fund, which offers up to $3,000 in emergency grants to students dealing with unexpected crises. Although I have never needed to use it, I know students who could have greatly benefited from it. Unfortunately, awareness of this resource is low. To help combat this issue, York should promote it more visibly through social media, posters, and the TV screens in the main atrium.

Food insecurity is just one of the many challenges students face, but it can have a profound impact on our ability to succeed academically. My experience has shown me the importance of not only providing resources but also ensuring that students are aware of them. By addressing these gaps, we can create a more supportive environment that empowers students to pursue their education without sacrificing their basic needs.

Imariagbe, Egberanmwen, NY