Here's a novel idea . . . get a job.

Texas has a college grant program for low-income freshmen called the TEXAS grant. Students who fit the income criteria get $7000 a year on a first-come-first-served basis. TEXAS grants won't be as widely available next year because of funding cuts. If the state doesn't have the money, they can't very well dole it out.

What disturbs me is the mentality of the students and parents who are affected by this decision and the news media who are reporting it. For example, this quote: "Students face decisions such as whether to attend a state university hours away or to pick a college closer to home. Whether to enroll at a four-year university or a less expensive community college. Whether to take out big loans and worry about paying them off." Do you notice the obvious omission here? What about the option of getting a job? Or two jobs. If a student worked 18 hours a week at a minimum wage job, he could make $7000. That's not an unreasonable amount of time for a college student to work.

Then, do you notice the attitude that the student should be able to go to the college of his choice no matter what it costs? I never even thought about that. I knew that I was going to have to pony up the money for my education, so I went to colleges close to home. Mr. Essie May and I lived within our means. What's wrong with these students doing the same?

One mother said, "I don't want him [her son] to be focused on a job. I need him to focus on his education." Well then, Mom, don't you think you should take a second job? Why should I pay for your son to focus on his education? She says her son will find a way to attend the University of Houston no matter what. If that's the case, why is he going to the state for money in the first place? If he can make it on his own, why is he taking money from someone who might not be able to?

Joe Pettibon oversees financial aid at Texas A & M. He said, "The impact is huge for students . . . there's not really any way to make it up rather than loans." Sure there is, Joe. It's that grant program called JOB. These students might as well learn now that the world does not owe them a living.

"College plans turn uncertain." The Dallas Morning News; April 20, 2011; p. 1A.