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The writer is a retired miner. I work as an AmeriCorps-funded College Access coach in a Minneapolis suburb through College Possible, and many of our students receive public assistance from programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). I help high school kids from low-income backgrounds to determine their goals, explore the best career path and figure out how a higher education degree, whether it be from a trade or technical, two-year or four-year school, can help them get there. The amount of money that a student’s family makes is the determiner for their eligibility in the College Possible program. As an organization based in Minnesota, we work with students living in small cities like Isanti or Worthington as well as students who live in the heart of Minneapolis. Eligibility for government programs such as food stamps is something that many of these students have in common. They come from working families who rely on payments at the beginning of the month to put food on the table. These kids need energy and fuel to achieve their dreams of becoming a plumber, an engineer, a filmmaker or of serving their communities as a nurse or doctor and much more. This month, seniors are writing essays about everything from their experiences losing a parent at a young age to niche passions and how they shape them as a person. They are excited for their future. Our kids have the potential to grow into incredible adults who can make a valued impact if we give them the tools. This is their American dream. By allowing political differences to force a government shutdown, our leaders and those who voted for them are hurting our kids. They are denying them one of the most essential needs of a human being: food. One value we should be able to agree on, regardless of who we vote for, is that families should be able to provide food for their children. As someone who works in a public school with students from all backgrounds, I urge our leaders to end the shutdown and help our students have the fuel they need to grow and learn effectively. In addition, I ask the state of Minnesota to do everything in its power to be effective and creative in coming up with solutions to our crisis. Ellie Heegaard Findell, Minneapolis In Minnesota, we pride ourselves on looking out for one another. Whether it’s seniors aging in place or individuals living with disabilities, we have a responsibility to ensure they have access to the quality, affordable health care they need to live full, independent lives.
