dear california

Dear California
As you know, we have a long history, snaking back through time to the begining of the modern era (aka 1987).
We've had a lot of adventures together, good, bad, inbetween. I've been to some of your darkest corners, and you've housed most of mine. I've fought for your betterment, and you've brought about massive changes in me. It's all been very good, mutually benefitial, and I really want to thank you for that.

But in reality, you just can't afford me any more, and vice versa. With your current 32% fee hike for UC schools, along with massive cuts to both financial aid AND new students (SJSU has seen a 50% rise in applications in the last year, and just announced they were cutting another 2800 new student positions), I feel it's time for both of us to take a little break and figure out what our wants and needs are. I feel as if this will likely mean I head out of state for school, and for this I appologize. I don't mean it as an affront to you, so please don't take it that way, I just feel as if other locales may have better abilities to help me on a financial front, and I really have to look out for me these days.

However, have no fear. I am by no means breaking up with you. I'll always have a peice of Yosemite in my heart, and hope that Yosemite feels the same for me. And I do not intend to become a stranger, I just feel as if both of us should examine how we can better ourselves through our optional relationships.

I love you. When I'm gone, I hope that you'll be strong and vigilant as ever, along with keeping that slightly standoffish demeanor we have both come to love.