Election Impact on Jobs, Food Prices and Healthcare Worries Students

“We’re going to war,” said Mike Savino, a 20-year-old senior business major at The City College of New York (CCNY). Mike thinks that may happen after this year’s presidential election. Like other students  interviewed on campus, Mike is anxious about the presidential election and feels concerned about the increasing divide between political parties and the uncertainty of the U.S. economy.

CCNY students say they worry as they prepare for life after graduation. They feel that they face an uncertain future. The rising cost of living and groceries, the job market and healthcare access top their lists of concerns. They wonder whether the leadership of either Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump will offer the stability and support they need.

Kevin Budzinski, a 20-year-old computer science major at CCNY, emphasized the financial strain students face. “The rising costs of living and food are really scary,” Kevin said. As an athlete on the CCNY baseball team, nutrition is a critical part of Kevin’s life. “Every time I go grocery shopping, it feels like prices have gone up again, and it’s hard to keep up, even as a student. I’m not sure if either candidate really has a plan to fix this.” Kevin has started cutting back on  items he used to buy regularly and that highlights the difficult financial choices students have to make to manage their education and everyday expenses.

Erik Rank, a 21-year-old finance major at CCNY, echoed Kevin’s concerns about rising costs. He also shared his unease about entering the job market. “I’m worried about what the economy will look like when I graduate next year,” he said. “With inflation and the cost of living rising, it seems like finding a decent job and establishing a stable life will be even more difficult. It’s stressful not knowing whether the degree I’m working so hard for will pay off.” Erik and many of his classmates are searching for internships and jobs but fear that the outcome of the election could make some job opportunities disappear.

On the other hand, Michael Chasinov, a 21-year-old psychology major and student-athlete on the CCNY baseball team, took a different angle. “For me, it’s all about healthcare,” Michael explained. “I’ve seen how hard it is for people to access affordable healthcare, especially mental health services. As a psychology major, I know how crucial mental health care is and I believe it should be a priority. But I don’t think either candidate is addressing it enough.”