Government Shutdown Leaves FAMU Students Facing Delays, Uncertainty, and Financial Strain
By Nay’Ron Jenkins, Staff Writer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As the federal government shutdown drags on, students at Florida A&M University (FAMU) are beginning to feel the ripple effects. Students are being delayed financial aid to halted internships and stalled research projects. The shutdown, now entering its second month, has brought a new level of stress on students already managing the challenges of college life.
Federal funding plays a vital role in most public colleges and universities across the country, from Pell Grants to research grants and work-study programs. With different government agencies closed or operating with minimal staff, many students and departments are facing uncertainty.
Sophomore pre-nursing student, Brookyln Walker, says that the elected officials should look deeper into the effects their decisions have on everyone.
“I depend heavily on my financial refund to take the load off my parents who are back home in Texas,” Walker said. “We have to figure out a solution quickly because we are innocent college students and we are suffering.”
For many students, the most immediate concern is money. Those who rely on federal work-study or internships tied to government programs have seen paychecks delayed or jobs put on hold. Senior Biology student, Tommy Bridgewater, said that he has been on work study for the entirety of his time at FAMU.
“I was blessed to get approved before the shutdown started," said Bridgewater. “I can’t imagine the stress that I would be under if I didn’t have this income that has helped me get through college this far.”
Other students around campus are concerned about other parts of their financial aid. Although the U.S. Department of Education has announced that major aid programs like Pell Grants and federal loans will continue, processing times have slowed. Students who were expecting new awards or changes to their aid may face weeks of delay.
Many students mentioned the guilt they felt of calling home and asking their parents for financial help but feel like they have no choice.
Beyond the financial burden, the shutdown is also affecting academics and career preparation. Junior Sociology student, Shania Brown, says she has plans for a future career in politics.
“If this shutdown has shown me anything, it showed me that I will be a politician to make sure things like this won’t happen to innocent people,” Brown explained.
For now, FAMU students are doing their best to adjust and continue with their path towards a degree. Each day the shutdown continues is another day that adds pressure to the students who already balance education and livelihood.