Arnold Douglas Smith

University of Memphis

Arnold is on course to graduate in 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree in political science and double minors in liberal legal thought and philosophy, and he hopes to continue on to law school. But he worries about accumulating too much debt and says that doubling the maximum Pell Grant would go a long way toward easing those concerns. The current maximum grant, he notes, is not enough to help most students avoid having to take out loans.

“The stress and anxiety are already getting to me, knowing that I will have to find a decent job that would satisfy my financial status. As of right now, my loans are under $6,000. So, I have been doing my best to save and conserve as much money as I possibly can. Because I strongly would like to continue my education.”

He adds that each time he receives a Pell Grant award, he reminds himself, “Thank you, Jesus, I have some help when it comes to paying off my collegiate expenses.”