I wrote a column a few years ago about the then-proposed student loan forgiveness program that still keeps rearing its ugly head. Many of you agreed with my stance; some adamantly disagreed and likely are not subscribing to this newsletter anymore. My goal was not to anger anyone but to simply state that our world would be a better place if we would all take more responsibility for our actions. In this example, if you borrow money, pay it back. Don’t expect it to be forgiven, or, in all reality, paid by other people.

I heard the arguments on why certain people are getting a raw deal and should not have to pay their debts. I maintain my position, but I am not writing this column to reiterate that point. Instead, I am tackling a related issue that may help address loans and grants and scholarships and all the stuff that plays a part in the cost of a college education.

Here’s the premise. If a student receives a scholarship to a state university and fails to graduate from that said state university, he or she must pay it back. This goes for those who flunk out, who transfer, who go to the professional leagues. Whatever. These students were given a scholarship at a tax-funded educational institution to learn and, ultimately, to earn a degree. If they don’t plan on finishing, then they shouldn’t take the scholarship — or they should be prepared to pay it back so that the funds can be available to someone who will earn a degree.

I realize that telling students to pay something back and actually getting them to pay it back are vastly different. I get it. Meanwhile, our government seems to find ways to garnish wages or take tax refunds to get its money back in other ways. Why not for those who accept scholarships from tax-funded universities and don’t finish?

If you follow college sports, you know the transfer portal has become a real problem with some student-athletes transferring to multiple universities — and many never earning a single degree. Maybe, just maybe, if these student-athletes had to repay those original scholarships before transferring to another university, they might think twice about it and actually learn something about loyalty and commitment and relationships. Those lessons may even carry over into their future decision-making with their spouses, employers and others.

We owe it to our student-athletes to help them understand what it really means to be a teammate, and if college isn’t the place to gain a real-life education, then what is?

What do you think? Would it work? Or is it just another crazy idea? Send me a note and let me know.

Have a marvelous Monday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman                                                                                    President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's other columns here.

BUSINESS FEATURE
Knowing the numbers

By Gunner Onkst

Tracking data has become a fundamental part of running many businesses. It helps determine the needs of customers and businesses alike. In the current digital age, data is more accessible than it ever has been. Now, more than ever, businesses are using the information they gather from their sales, social media and events. So, what do they do with all that information?

114 CARTER ST. S.W., MITCHELLVILLE
SALE DATE: 2024-07-08
SALE PRICE: $400,000
SELLER: VITA GROUP LLC
BUYER: 114 CARTER LLC
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SQUARE FEET: 18,801

Meet Madison Brenner
Her “teacher heart” soars as kids gain confidence.

By T.K. West

Growing up in Iowa City, Madison Brenner graduated from Iowa City West High before attending the University of Iowa. Although she liked Iowa City, she knew she wanted to be closer to the Des Moines area. Brenner’s first experience with Waukee was when she attended a show choir competition in high school. After further research, she found much to like about the district and decided to apply for a position. Now, Brenner is in her third year teaching with the Waukee Community School District. She teaches first grade at Maple Grove Elementary School.

“I absolutely love the people. The staff, students and families have all been so welcoming and a joy to work with. Any time I’m at school or just out in the community, I can see how much it means to people to be a part of such a wonderful district,” Brenner says.

These celebrities were born on this date: Simon Cowell, Kira Kosarin, Lewis Capaldi, Trent Alexander-Arnold,  Toni Braxton, Holland Roden, Thom Yorke, Mookie Betts, Joy Behar, Shawn Ashmore. John Mellencamp, Josh Levi, Yo-Yo Ma, Lulu Wilson, Aaron Ashmore, Allison Munn

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What did the older gentleman ask the woman when he sat down beside her at the bar? "So, do I come here often?" or perhaps, "Have you seen me here before?" Thanks for the answers Rex Post and Gail Tomlinson

Today's riddle:

What prize do you win for growing older?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Iowa Living magazines, contact:

Jolene Goodman
Vice President
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 319
Mobile: 515-326-0082
jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com

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