Texas Tech: COLUMN: Parents' support well appreciated.

(From University Wire)

Byline: James Hershberger

Though my pale complexion, far from toned stomach and awkward dance moves wouldn't draw many comparisons between myself and Usher, like him, I do have a confession. Mine is that my parents have supported me financially while I've been in college.

I'm one of the fortunate students at Texas Tech who never has taken out a student loan, never had to work a night shift and never had to skip a meal because I couldn't afford it. I'm grateful to my parents for this privilege.

Because of this, people like me stay quiet and avert their eyes down when those who have to work to finance their way through college talk about it in classes. I hear the stories about their struggles and listen as they derisively talk about students whose "mommies and daddies" pay for everything like me.

Don't get me wrong; I admire the dedication and hard work demonstrated by people who pay their own way. What I don't understand though is why students like me have to feel ashamed that our parents are able and willing to pay for us to obtain our degrees. My parents worked hard so that I could enjoy college without worrying about money. I didn't do anything great, but I do wish that certain students who pay their own way would quit acting like they are Holocaust survivors.

Granted, they have had a tougher road than me. But I am also certain that were I in their same circumstances, I would be able to do what they do. Life wouldn't be as easy or fun for ...