#SaveTheParksNow

[towardsmediocrity-blog]

Testimony from a UC Davis Geology student

Hello, my name is Julie Griffin. I am in my third year of graduate study in the Geology department of UC – Davis. I am here to testify for the rights of graduate students to subsidized housing. I currently live in a two-bedroom apartment in Solano Park with my best friend and her three-year-old daughter. Our rent is 908 dollars per month. The average rent for unfurnished two-bedroom apartments in Davis, according to the 36th annual City of Davis vacancy and rental rate survey, is 1,240 dollars per month. The 332 dollars that we collectively save on rent each month has enabled both of us to start saving money for the future. If I did not have the reduced rent that comes from living in graduate student housing, I would not have been able to start an investment retirement account until after finishing my doctorate degree in my late twenties-early thirties, thus reducing the benefits of interest. My quality of life would substantially diminish if 42% of my paycheck each month were spent on housing and utilities. Subsidized graduate student housing is necessary for students to maintain some semblance of a normal life while in school, studying to become the future workers of higher education.

 Most importantly, graduate student housing fosters a sense of community for families. I joke that Solano Park operates under a “communal toy policy” as the grounds are littered with bicycles, sand box supplies, and even rocking horses that all children are welcome to play with. My neighbors and I discuss how growing up in Solano Park would be awesome, because you always have a friend nearby and plenty of playgrounds to enjoy. The events planned by the resident assistants of Solano Park develop this feeling of togetherness even more. Graduate student housing is critical not only for our wallets, but also for our sense of community. Please consider the importance of subsidized graduate student housing while negotiating this deal. Thank you.

#uc davis #affordable housing #testimony #SaveTheParksNow