Story by: Angel Martinez, Sports Editor
Photo by: Viviana Valencia, Editor-In-Chief
As the cost of living in California continues to rise, Cypress College students are seeking out alternative solutions such as thrifting, secondhand shopping and utilizing on-campus clothing resources to accommodate financial pressures.
Statewide data from the Public Policy Institute of California highlights the growing economic crisis in financial pressure on adults. In 2024, nearly half of California households reported being worse off financially compared to previous years with essentials such as food and clothing rising to dramatically higher prices. Based on analysis made by the California Legislative Analyst Office, inflation has outpaced wages making students more vulnerable to these issues.
At Cypress College, the Career Closet has been actively working to assist students. Throughout the year, they have provided free professional attire for interviews, presentations, and work-related activities, offering a crucial resource for students facing financial hardship.
In addition to the Career Closet, the North Orange County Community College District along with the North Orange Continuing Education have teamed up and offered additional support to students. The NOCE is currently hosting two donation drives to support students across campus. From Nov. 4 through 19 the NOCE Anaheim campus will be collecting items such as food and hygienic products. A warm clothing drive also runs through Dec. 4 with a need for winter jackets and clothing for students. Donation bins are located at the NOCE A&R Centers.
The rising cost of living has also increased demand for on campus services at Cypress College. The Cypress College Food Pantry offers free groceries and food for students on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Many students are also relying on secondhand shopping, thrift shops and resale apps to save money with many students saying even those options are not good enough.
“I’ve had to pick up more shifts at work because of the hour shortage everywhere, and I even got two jobs to help with my bills,” Radiologic Technology student Luis Mendoza said. “I recycle plastic and metal from my dads job so we can get extra money. I’ve cut back on going out, even just walking to the liquor store for chips or a soda, because everything is so expensive now.”
Other students have had to change their daily routine due to the high demanding expenses. “Even though I’m not a homeowner myself, I still have to save wherever I can,” Kinesiology major Brian Rothery said. “I get school food, thrift most of my clothes and even cut out day-to-day activities to save gas”
As prices keep soaring going into next year students have turned to different resources to manage the current financial pressures. Students are also encouraged to visit the NOCE Attire Lounge for warm-clothes donations. For more information students can visit the Career Planning Center located on the 2nd floor of the College Complex Building or through their website at Career Planning and Workforce Development Center – Cypress College.
