Why YOU are so important
Date: (Thursday, September 3, 2009)
In light of the recession, the constant general grumble of how to get out of the ever-prevalent deficit has turned into a loud clash of raised voices, all announcing a solution to this dire economic state.
What is to be done? We could lower taxes, or we could raise them; we could invest in welfare programs, or we could stop spending taxpayer money. Alternatively, one of the most interesting theories is we should invest in colleges and technical institutes.
Everyone knows students and a post-secondary education are important, but for the most part people don’t really know why. We can safely assume that regardless of what program you enter — be it office administration, nursing, physics, or welding — you leave here with new skills and an understanding that can make YOU better off in the job market. What a 2007 report by the Association of Alberta Colleges and Technical Institutes shows is that our society benefits as a whole when you become a post-secondary graduate.
As a taxpayer, it’s nice to see our money go to making our city, province, and country better, but if we need to consistently pay to repay and repair damage done by crime we have a harder time moving forward.
The report, Economic Contribution of Alberta Colleges and Technical Institutes estimates a savings of over $400,000 annually based the reduced crime rates, and victim costs associated with increased post-secondary attendance.
This report also goes on to mention people with some post-secondary experience do not rely on welfare services to the same extent, costing the province less money. With that financial burden more manageable, social programs can become more effective and, as educated people live generally healthier lives, hospitals become less crowded and once again more manageable.
As the report states investing in post-secondary education is incredibly valuable. The report also goes on to imply for every dollar the province invests into colleges and technical institutes, they earn back approximately four dollars. This is through the decrease in reliance on health and social assistance programs and the increase in innovation and ability that comes with an educated population.
It sounds cliché to say this, but really just by being here and taking this step to better yourself, you are making this world a better place.
I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here at RDC.
Thanks for reading,
Steven Kwasny
SA President
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Your Student President |
 Hey everyone, my name is Steven Kwasny. It is my pleasure this year to serve as your SA President.
I’m a Political Science major but my interests really lay everywhere. I love going to movies, catching up on current events, music, hanging out and talking to other people.
But you’re probably wondering, “That’s nice ... but what do you do for me?”
Well, it is my job to make sure that students are always treated with fairness and that they are always the centre of thought for RDC. Additionally I am involved provincially with our student lobby group ASEC, so this blog will include update on what’s happening here at home, in the province, and sometimes nationally.
I hope you enjoy and if you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to email me at steven.kwasny@rdc.ab.ca or give me a call at 403-356-4976. |
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