How I got my college education.

I am not sure how parents do it these days....putting their kids through college. My niece is attending the University of Michigan as a freshman this year. She grew up in Atlanta where my brother and his family have lived for over 20 years. They're paying out-of-state tuition....how? I've never asked....it's none of my business. One assumes it's a combination of resources....my niece is a very intelligent young lady so a scholarship is a likely contributor.

So, I need to get to my point....how did I make it through college? A Pell grant....the originator of the Pell grant, Claiborne Pell, passed away today at the age of 90. He is pictured here with his wife of 64 years, Nuala. The former Rhode Island senator reportedly suffered from the advanced stages of Parkinson's disease. His political career emphasized education, arts, humanities and foreign affairs. He spent the last of his 36 years in Congress as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. His contribution to my early college career is undeniable and appreciated by me and my mother! Of course, in my junior year of college, President Reagan dramatically cut financial aid for students of middle-income families and student loans became my source of financial support. Regardless, my Pell grant allowed me to worry less about money and focus more on school and social activities.

I'd say my college experience was better and more enjoyable because of Sen. Pell and his remarkable efforts.