Entire departments are at risk, save yours

Just like many other students, I too was affected by the dreadful budget cuts. When I first started going to UNLV, I had planned on majoring in forensic science. One of the reasons why I chose to attend UNLV was because I heard that they had one of the best forensic science programs. I also wouldn’t have to worry about struggling to pay for out-of-state tuition or housing, since I would be living at home.

After meeting with my adviser and coming up with my four-year plan, I felt at home with my college and career plans. Knowing I was finally able to work toward my dream of becoming a Crime Scene Investigators made me feel like my 12 years of making the honor roll was finally going to pay off.

However, I didn’t know that my dreams of becoming a CSI would soon face the harsh reality of budget cuts. I had began taking the classes that I needed to graduate with a forensic science degree. I decided to go back a level in my math and science classes so that I felt comfortable and knowledgeable enough in all aspects of the field. I studied intensively to pull off A’s and B’s in my classes. I even boasted a little to my family and friends about how successful I’ll be after graduation. I told them that I was destined to be the best in my field.

Anxious for the future, I began looking up graduate schools and states with the best job outlook. My dream was in reach and I wanted to be prepared.

Unfortunately, my Google search didn’t consist of the lethal phrase  “budget cuts.” Once the next semester rolled around, rumors of budget cuts began to spread on campus. A few of my worried colleagues began switching majors and even schools.

I wasn’t fortunate enough to switch schools and had never even thought of a backup major. I became the scared little girl, and the budget cuts became the big bully. I will always remember the day my dreams were shattered by the harsh reality of budget cuts. I was sitting in the Thomas & Mack parking lot fidgeting with my cell phone, wondering if I should make a phone call to the department or not.

Finally, I realized that my future was on the line and I needed to know the truth even if it wasn’t what I wanted to hear. I pressed the call button, but before I could gather my thoughts the other line had picked up. I explained to the voice on the phone how I had heard that the forensic science program had been cut from UNLV.

I had hoped that some magical ray of light would shine through but the only light I received came in the form of a bolt.

I questioned how this could have happened and what my future would be now. The only options I was given were to switch majors or switch schools. That day I understood the language of budget cuts and I knew what we were up against.

The students that are in UNLV programs that still live on may not have been hit by the budget cut bat like I have. I used to believe that cutting an entire program was impossible, but I was wrong. If budget cuts can do away with an entire program without giving a second thought to the students in it, then cutting teachers, jobs and classes will only be an easy hurdle to leap.

As a part of the UNLV community, we need to rally, protest, write letters or do what ever else we need to do so that we don’t let budget cuts choose our futures.