Western Oregon Journal

In reading Danielle Kuehnel’s “The Manifesto of a Poor College Student,” I was outraged by her prejudiced opinion that students, who bring diversity to our school, do not work hard, do not want to be in college, and are given a free ride.   

Contrary to your belief, Ms. Kuehnel, such students work hard if not harder than anyone due to challenges presented to our different cultural and linguistic backgrounds.  Nevertheless, we sacrifice because we want to get an education and NOT “solely because Western wants to diversify and add a larger minority population to the campus.”  Our academic qualifications and the school’s diversity policies may help get our foot in the door; however, what keeps us here is our willingness to sacrifice and perform academically in spite of limited finances and subliminal or otherwise outright messages that we are not welcome here.

            Your complaints about financial aid being unwisely awarded based on skin color are based on pure speculation. Take for instance that in light of my student loan debt of 30K and counting, I also made the same trip to the financial aid office to show need, as well as my Honor Roll status, and obviously my brown skin, but I was turned down. However, I did not turn around and used my anger and disappointment as an excuse for prejudice.

            You should reconsider your biased opinions about students who bring diversity to W.O.U., do away with your ideals of colorblindness, and bring yourself to accept and appreciate diversity.

Brenda Hidalgo

Bhidalgo49@msn.com

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