Speak Out 7/3/09

Trying to succeed

WHY can't colleges offer scholarships to students who are trying their best to get an education? I am a full-time student at Southeast Missouri State University who has had a 3.8 GPA for the last three years. For some reason I have yet to get a scholarship. I have applied for numerous scholarships in the past except last spring semester because I didn't want to be disappointed again. My parents are struggling to get by and can't help me pay for school, but their income is too high and I'm not eligible for a grant. I work full time while attending school, and it is difficult to maintain a good GPA. I'm confused why the university gives some athletes with mediocre GPAs full rides. Paying for my education has made me try my best. I am the first person in my family to go to college, and I know I must never give up, but I feel the university should recognize and help students who are trying and want to be there.

Too much government

THE right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Government regulations have made my cigarettes into smokeless tobacco by mandating paper that goes out when it is not in use all of 15 seconds. I guess I'll have to inhale a little deeper and more often. What's next? No alcohol in beer?

Computer fix

RECENTLY, I encountered what seems to be a universal experience in today's technology-laden society: a complete yet unexplainable meltdown of my laptop. I purchased said laptop less than 10 months ago, and since I'm not particularly tech-savvy, I also invested in the most expensive full-coverage warranty. I assumed that when I presented my computer woes to the store, it would be prepared to work its magic free of charge. Much to my dismay, I was told that a basic repair would cost $130, with any additional or complicated restoration extra. Apparently my warranty does not cover problems with or caused by software, foreign media or user-generated system errors. I suppose the only thing it covers is if I drop it in a lake. Frustrated and bewildered as to how I was so blatantly misled, I decided to call another computer store in hopes of finding an easier, cheaper fix. I described my plight and queried as to the amount it would cost to correct. To my great surprise, the employee guided me through a three-minute process that ended with a full recovery. This store has certainly earned my business in the future.