“Break the Law to Go To School”

Have you ever had to make a decision you didn’t want to but had no choice? A life-or-death decision? For many students, pursuing an education isn’t just about academics—it’s about survival. On the surface, a student may seem like just another person heading to class, but beneath that is often a daily struggle to stay afloat.

I’ve been there. I’ve had to make tough choices just to get to school. Every day, I face the decision of breaking the law just to attend class. No, it’s not about something extreme—it’s about jumping the turnstile because I simply can’t afford transportation. I don’t have a well-paying job to cover those costs, but without transportation, I can’t get to school. It’s a no-win situation, but it’s one I’ve been forced to navigate over and over again.

There was a time during college when I didn’t even have a place to sleep. I was crashing on couches, struggling just to make it through the day. Imagine walking into school crying, unsure if you’ll even make it through your next class because you’re exhausted—mentally and physically. My school didn’t provide any resources to help, so I had to knock on doors, search high and low for any form of support. Thankfully, a woman from the Dean’s Office noticed my struggles and helped me access food from the school pantry when I was starving.

But even with that help, things were rough. I hit rock bottom, feeling hopeless. That’s when I was introduced to the mental health clinic on campus, which provided me with just 13 sessions with a counselor. Those 13 sessions saved me. I’m one of the lucky ones. Without that help and my own drive to seek out resources, I wouldn’t have made it to my senior year. But the sad truth is, thousands of students at CUNY schools are unaware of these basic needs resources or find them difficult to access. One other basic needs resource is emergency aid at my school, but the first time I needed it the most, I was not accepted. After I befriended someone working in the dean’s office, they were able to grant me emergency aid on my second try. The emergency aid helped me stay housed. While I was nervous at first, I had the courage to network with others, including someone who was able to help me during a crucial time. Campuses should have a sign-in front for students highlighting available resources, have a designated basic needs officer at each campus, and offer it as a volunteer service to help allocate more funds toward basic needs and other resources.

According to Advocates for Children of New York, over 146,000 NYC students experienced homelessness during the 2023–24 school year. And with 40% of college students relying on pantries, the situation is dire. This creates an environment where students face constant insecurity, making heartbreaking decisions just to finish their degrees and pursue their dreams.

This is why I support the CUNY Deal, which aims to provide free resources for students who need them most. No one should have to endure what I did—struggling just to survive while trying to get an education. The system needs to change. Students should not have to break the law or sacrifice their well-being to chase the American Dream. Let’s stand together and demand the support that every student deserves.

Clemens Jr., Gregory, NY