Students Can No Longer Afford Things

Prices are increasing faster than we know it, and Fitz students are suffering. They are not able to buy necessities.

Fitz students are keeping quiet about their problems because it could be embarrassing having to feel the need to share their financial situation, or having to borrow money from friends. "I have to be wise about my spending now. I cannot afford to get stuff I want. I’d rather spend my money on things I need," said Samantha Molina.  Molina is scared to waste money on other things that she wasn’t planning to but had interest in.

Students aren’t able to buy stuff they find interesting or gifts  to surprise their friends. For example, one student said, "I was going to buy my 8-year-long friend a gift for their birthday, but I wasn’t able to because I couldn’t afford the gift I thought they deserved." The student wanted their good friend to feel appreciated, but nowadays it costs a lot to make someone feel appreciated.

Teachers have also felt the cost of rising prices. "I usually buy my students the necessities they will need for my class because I know that not all families can afford the stuff they need in class. For example, notebooks, markers and pens, but I feel bad because I’m not able to afford their stuff anymore," said Ms. Chin. Students love when teachers hand out candy or give out any type of reward, but with prices increasing, it looks like it won't be happening anymore.

Students should know that they are not alone. If you’re a student and are experiencing financial difficulties at home, make sure to speak to a trusted adult, like a teacher or counselor.