Problems and Struggles

The biggest problem and struggle in Bell High is money alone. Financially, the school is poor, with the majority of the kids being in the lower class, with the exception of some middle class. We receive reduced/free lunch, and get prices reduced when it comes to things like paying for the AP tests. Usually, they cost $91, but here at Bell, we get them for $5, since we qualify for it. In addition to academics, the college process is a struggle as well. Most of us are first-generation upcoming college students, and so in turn, our parents can't help us with that process at all. It becomes our job to seek help on the outside, asking teachers, counselors, and academic advisors for assistance becomes normal where as students from other school's are 3rd or even 4th generation already, they have the access to help at home. Home, a place where homework assistance is not available unless you have an older sibling who has already taken and passed the class you are taking. Help at home is rare because in many cases, our parents don't understand the homework we get, and to add to that, many parents aren't fluent in English, so there isn't a way to help you with homework, unless it is translated into Spanish, then, there the problem is solved.