In their own words: USF students pen letters about budget cuts

TAMPA - We interviewed three University of South Florida students as they wrote letters to state lawmakers about proposed budget cuts.

These are their thoughts in their own words.

"Dear State Legislator, I'm a senior here at the University of South Florida. My major is English literature which falls into the humanities," read USF Senior Scott Sandoval from his handwritten letter.

"Dear Senator, it saddens me that such a proposal has been suggested," read USF Sophomore Jasmine Jordan.

"Dear legislators, the recent budget cuts proposed by the Senate will cut the current budget," said USF Senior Braham Shamim.

These are just some of the hundreds of letters collected by USF Student Government to be delivered to lawmakers in Tallahassee.

"Recently, I decided I wanted to go into neonatology," explained Jordan who believes the field is her calling.

"I like modernism, which would be everything from 1890 to the 50's," said Sandoval who’s planning to get his Master’s Degree in English.

"I've always wanted to go into Radiology," said Shamim. His father is a pharmacist and he wants to be a doctor.

"I worry about all the people who come after me and all the students that, maybe they're commuting. I know how hard it was for me my first years, so how hard it will be for them,” said Sandoval.  

"If this proposal is passed, so many will lose their jobs," said Jordan.

"More loans, that's all, more debt, more interest," replied Shamim when I asked how the budget cuts could affect him. He worries tuition may rise.

"Oh, my father, he was laid off, so it personally affects me. I know how it feels to wait and you know, every single day, knowing that you might not have it the next day.  So I've gone through that. My family has gone through that.  I'd hate to see people on this campus, students, make a choice, do I have to transfer because I can't pay for it," said Jordan.

"I'm worried personally,” said Shamim.

"I obviously, I worry about, how long it'll take me to finish my masters," said Sandoval.

"It's already nerve-wracking, figuring out how you're going to pay for stuff every single year," said Jordan.

"Education is one thing which is an investment to the future, Sincerely, Abraham Shamin.”

"We are a major asset to Florida, in so many ways, Jasmine Jordan."

"I just worry my alma mater along with my hometown will suffer. Signed, a concerned student,” read Sandoval.