Editor&8217;s note: Letters today are from sophomores at Albert Lea High School. These the final letters of that correspondence.

College tuition seems unreachable for students

When I was in middle school I used to think about how college seemed a long ways away. But now being a sophomore in high school it is closer than ever, and the rising college tuition costs are something that is becoming a worrisome obstacle. And I think that something should be done about this.

These high tuition costs are standing in the way of the students dreams. How are we supposed to pay for colleges that have tuition fees that range from $15,000 to $40,00 per year? I know that some parents start planning for the cost of their kids college years in advance. But what about the parents that aren&8217;t able to afford to do this? And what happens if you have more than one child? Do any of these questions sound familiar to anyone? I guess there is always the option of taking out loans. But that brings up a whole other argument. Many kid that graduate from college find themselves in thousands of dollars of debt.

I think that the government should provide more funding for students who struggle with the college costs. I also think that the colleges themselves should try to find more ways of helping out their students with these economic problems.

I believe that something should be done about the high costs of college tuition, and I believe that now is the perfect time start.

Cinthia Villagomez

Albert Lea

Lowering drinking age could strengthen Army

I am writing to the editor about the drinking age being lowered. I think the drinking age should be lowered to 18.

At 18 you are officially an adult. You have a lot more opportunities. You&8217;re even eligible to get married.

I personally think that if you are old enough to get married and live on your own you might as well be able to drink.

It is pretty ridiculous to give an adult 18-year-old an illegal for underage drinking. Especially when they are even old enough to go into certain bars and buy cigarettes.

I also believe that if you are old enough to join the war you should be able to have a few drinks, even if it&8217;s only for the people who join the war could drink under age. Therefore, more people would probably join the Army.

Even if they lower the age to 19 it would be better than 21. They have been fighting it for a long time so we might as well pass it.

Jessa Wippinger

Albert Lea

Getting a job can be difficult for teenagers

I am a 16-year-old sophomore in the top third of my class. I make good decisions and I am involved in many extra-curricular activities. I would consider myself a good candidate for many jobs. I never knew how hard it would be to find one or how frustrating it would be to wait for a reply.

My first experience was an attempt for a position at a coffee shop. I applied in September, was assured that my application was considered. I called two weeks later and was promised a call for an interview for two weeks after. Nothing.

I called another time, waited another two weeks for a call about an interview. Yet again, nothing at all.

Now, 6 1/2 months later I have dropped the possibility of that spot. I figured that if I couldn&8217;t get a simple interview or phone call, I didn&8217;t want to work somewhere with that type of management. So now the search continues.

Jeff Thorstad

Albert Lea