In South Florida, where the rent for apartments can exceed $2,000 a month, some students face the weight of delaying graduation as they struggle to balance school, work and family responsibilities.
Roniel Milian, a data entry specialist for a medical insurance company, is in his mid-twenties in pursuit of a bachelor’s in economics. He left school five years ago after his mother, the primary breadwinner of his household, underwent multiple surgeries and was unable to work for months. With no steady income at home, he stepped away from college to help support his family.
“I had to drop out of school completely. I haven’t been able to go back since that day, five years ago,” Milian said, describing the strain as “living to just survive, not to actually live.”
Gianni Moody, a sales worker in Miami’s Design District, has remained enrolled for his bachelor’s in design, but reduced his course load to prioritize paying bills. Working long hours to afford rent and daily expenses has meant taking fewer classes each semester.
“I’ve definitely had to prioritize my job because that’s where my income comes from,” Moody said, adding that taking fewer classes has meant “delaying my education inevitably.”
Both men say rising housing costs and financial pressures have slowed their path to a degree. Despite years of delay, Milian and Moody say they remain determined to complete their college education and secure stable, fulfilling careers.
