Being a freshman, I have only been in college for six months, but six short months havetaught me to love UD more than I ever thought I could'this place is my second home. However, no matter how much I love it, I don't like the rising costs.

College is a four year experience. We are all here for more than just 17 credit hours for eight semesters; we are here for activities, clubs and friends too. To get all this and enjoy it to its full extent, students should not have to work in the Marycrest cafeteria, The Blend or wherever else simply so they can keep going to school here. UD's tuition was already pretty high.

I realize that most people's parents are paying, but nevertheless many of us still have thousands of dollars of loans at age 18, waiting for us when our time at UD is up. Similarly, high schoolers searching for colleges should not have to cross UD off of their list because it is so expensive.

Now I know the administration can justify raising tuition and room and board costs. Yes, we may be a comparable institution and yes we do have challenging academics (sometimes), but just because the university can justify raising tuition does not mean that it should.

UD emphasizes how each of us has a duty to our community and to each other as able-bodied citizens; how can this not be applied to the expense situation? Isn't it UD's duty to keep the school as affordable as possible for as many people as possible? If we are such a great and comparable institution, why are we raising costs to keep people out when we really should give many people the opportunity to attend such a good university?

Will a bunch of angry, complaining students make the administration rethink the higher expenses? No. Not at all. They know that we will complain and complain and complain, but we will pay it in the end. If UD is expecting students to pay more while also attract worthy potential students, it better be willing to dish out more scholarships with as much delight as they get at raising costs.

So even though I will pay the costs, I want to know what I'm getting out of the additional expense. I'd like to see that my extra money is being put to good use. I'd like to see this tuition hike as more of an exchange: I will give UD more money if they give me something in return. Will this money go to a more reputable communications program? Acclaimed professors? A more interesting student union? Or even better KU food?

I'm not trying to be greedy, I'm trying to be practical. I'm about to give, and I want to receive. I want some tangible evidence that UD deserves this money, or in other words, I want to see that the administration appreciates the students that dish out thousands of dollars for them.

In the end though, no matter how much I rant, I will just write bigger checks.