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PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Tahisha Fields, Vice Chair of Fiscal Affairs for CUNY University Student Senate
2:20:12
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124 sec
Tahisha Fields, a graduate student at Baruch College, testified about the financial challenges faced by CUNY students, particularly regarding transportation costs and balancing academic responsibilities with work and internships.
- Fields highlighted the affordability of CUNY compared to private institutions, but emphasized rising costs, especially in transportation, as significant barriers to student success.
- She described her personal experience juggling a full academic load, unpaid internship, and student government responsibilities, which left little time for part-time work.
- Fields advocated for addressing the financial strain on students, particularly in terms of transportation expenses, to improve access to education and opportunities.
Tahisha Fields
2:20:12
My name is Tahisha Fields.
2:20:15
Good afternoon, members of the New York City Council Committee for Higher Education.
2:20:20
My name is Tahisha Fields, and I am a student at Baruch College majoring in a mental health counseling with the plans to graduate in May 2025.
2:20:28
I chose CUNY because it offers the most affordable graduate schools and diverse education opportunities compared to the private institutions making it accessible for students graduate students like me.
2:20:43
As a nontraditional older student, my career goals are to become a fully licensed mental health counselor and pursue my Ph.
2:20:52
D.
2:20:52
In social work.
2:20:53
My time at CUNY has been both rewarding and challenging while completing my my degree.
2:21:00
I'm also in my final year of clinical internship which due to the state regulations is is unpaid.
2:21:08
That financial strain is exasperated by my full time academic load and my time consuming commute both from my internship and to my full time classes.
2:21:18
I am deeply involved in the student government as I am the president of the Baruch College Graduate Student Assembly and I'm also the vice chair of fiscal affairs for CUNY University Student Senate.
2:21:30
However, balancing these responsibilities and studies leave me with a little time for my part time job, which I am only to do maybe once or twice a week, further compounding my financial challenges.
2:21:44
CUNY has always been a a beacon of affordable education.
2:21:47
I've gotten my undergrad from Baruch College, but rising costs particularly in transportation comes to a significant barrier for students' success.
2:21:57
As a commuter, I along with my other fellow students spend hundreds of dollars monthly just to access education.
2:22:05
The expense limits my opportunities and, participating in internships, fellowships, and going to my job that I would have to decide.
2:22:15
Thank you.
2:22:16
You.