Fighting for dreams: the hidden financial struggles of students

Beyond the laughter, inside jokes, and heated debates that fill classrooms, there lies a harsher reality. It’s a story many live but few discuss: the quiet struggle to survive school when financial worries loom large. A student at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), who requested anonymity, shared her experience of the financial battles she faces while pursuing her degree. Her struggles began the moment she enrolled. She hoped to balance work and studies to support herself, but the rigorous demands of academic life made that impossible. With no stable support from home, she often finds herself on her own. She relies on her mother only when circumstances become unbearable; even then, her mother frequently has to beg or borrow for help, leading to delays in paying her fees. Transport money is often uncertain, so she walks most days; not by choice but out of necessity. She often stays on campus without food, returning home hungry and exhausted. There are moments when she breaks down in tears, feeling the weight of her burdens. She wonders why her life is so different, why she must struggle while others seem to navigate life with ease. There are times she regrets enrolling and considers deferring her course to start anew. She feels completely alone. “Sometimes, I feel like life has been unfair,” she shared quietly. Yet, despite everything, she has never missed a class due to a lack of transport. She continues to push forward, refusing to let hardship derail her education. When asked why she persists in school despite the challenges, her response was simple but powerful: “I have started the journey, and I need to finish it. Good things are not achieved on a silver platter.” Her dream is to become a Public Relations Officer and an advertiser: careers that she believes will allow her to rewrite her story. What keeps her going is the knowledge that many have faced worse struggles and prevailed. If they can do it, she believes she can, too. However, for her, financial struggles extend beyond a mere lack of money; they represent a constant mental battle. This daily stress robs her of concentration, drains her energy, and makes school feel like a relentless uphill race. “Students who struggle financially think more about how to survive each day than about their studies,” she explained. Despite her situation, she remains hopeful. “Things will get better. Since I’m not quitting, I will definitely achieve my dreams,” she said firmly. Her story serves as a reminder that behind every quiet student in class could be a fighter: someone who walks long distances, battles hunger, hides tears, and still shows up. She exemplifies that for many, the fight isn't just for grades but for survival, driven by the belief that their dreams are worth the struggle. As we navigate campus corridors, we must remember that we often overlook the battles our peers face. For many, school isn’t just about grades; it’s a test of survival. Every day, they prove that their dreams are worth the pain.