The feasibility of paying for child care

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Scott Andrew Schulz

Her high school years were marked with a selection to the Homecoming Court and numerous academic and athletic awards. Known to most simply as "Szopa," she was one of the most popular students in a school of 2,200 with friends around every corner. A walk to class would always warrant a hello from one teacher or another. Attractiveness, intelligence and a warm heart were her trademarks.

But Amy Szopa, did not have an easy road ahead.

For most, the onslaught of the senior year in high school brings with it Advanced Placement classes, SAT and ACT tests, and college application essays. Amy, too, had to deal with this expected stress. But, for Amy, an unanticipated pregnancy also came with the package. Her world was never the same.

The rumors spread like wildfire. "Could it be true? Amy? What will she do? Is she going to drop out of school? Too bad, she could have been so successful in college."

The pressure to fail was intense. It seemed that there were few other options. Yet, Amy chose to follow her own path and prove to everyone how dedicated she truly was to achieving her career objectives, while also raising her son, Jeremy, to know that he was loved.

Jeremy has just taken up the challenge of potty training. Little does he know that his mother is now a junior at the University of Alaska Anchorage, majoring in journalism and public communications. A college degree has come into full focus, and it would appear, not even the most rigorous tests could keep Amy Szopa from her goal.

Most importantly, Szopa works very hard for her education and takes advantage of the opportunities she has available, without relying on others to take responsibility for her actions.

Amy knew sacrifices would have to be made in adapting to her new life. There is little time for anything other than work and school, but she makes due, and spends time giving Jeremy every ounce of love she has in her heart. This effort has gained Amy an incredible level of respect from both family and friends, who, in turn, give her the support she desires by helping her to raise Jeremy.

Why explain Amy's situation you ask? Right here at the UA exist between 2,500 to 3,500 student-parents. While these numbers might sound high, student-parents make up a mere 10 percent of the total student population. Last week, a group of 10 representatives addressed UA President Likins and the Associated Students Senate, calling for the construction of a child care facility. As of now, the UA does not have any such program and these students must find alternatives as they pursue their respective degrees. Likins, displaying the very principles of a politician, sought to please the desires of a small sector of the student population by promising the financial commitment of the student majority. There appeared to be absolutely no hesitation in deciding to extract even more money from your pocket. That very evening, in fact, President Likins promised to "build a facility and make it happen."

If you think the funds for such a structure are coming as a courtesy of the Nike contract, think again.

The Likins Corporation does not have any representatives for child care and has not shown any interest in acquiring any. Mimi Gray, the UA child care initiatives coordinator, estimated that $4 million would be necessary for the construction of such a facility. You know exactly where most of that money will originate.

So, why all this dependence on the UA? There appear to be fewer parents who take responsibility for their actions and who, instead, expect assistance from not only the government, but more and more from universities as well. Apparently, attending college is a right granted to every citizen of this nation, and should a person have any hindrances, all of us should literally pay the price.

The real issue at hand is choice. Each of us chooses a path in life and with each individual path come benefits and drawbacks. Choosing to have children brings with it the reality that attending college in the future could very likely be quite difficult. Having children can be a wonderful reality for many and be one of the most amazing experiences life has to offer. But expecting others to also be parents by financially supporting decisions, in which they had no part, is simply unjust.

Single parents are stereotyped as irresponsible people who expect the public to support them during their pursuit of individual goals. Should you be a parent, I urge you to help put this myth to rest by demonstrating that you can pursue your ambitions, such as an education, without depending on society to assist you.

Believe it or not, there are people out there who realize that dreams are achieved through hard work and happiness is the responsibility of no one but themselves. Sometimes, these incredibly strong people even grow up to be parents. Thanks, Amy.

Scott Andrew Schulz is a communication junior and can be reached via e-mail at Scott.Ancdrew.Schulz@wildcat.arizona.edu. His column, Millstone, appears every Wednesday.