O P I N I O N

THE SOAPBOX

Stand up. Speak up. It’s your turn.

I’m a person who is trying to be more than their environment. The Affordable Care Act grants access to doctors and therapy. I’m a full-time college student at SNHU, I work two part time jobs, which totals 25 hours a week. While sharing rent with roommates. I’m not a traditional student; the SNHU online format gives me the flexibility to meet my academic goals, gaining work experience while being insured. But the system still punishes me for trying to grow above my circumstances. 

If the ACA goes away I’ll have to pay an extra $230 a month. This isn’t feasible. I’m already paying out of pocket for doctor visits. It just feels like I’m being punished for coming from a background without having family support. I’m doing all the things I’m supposed to –  I work, I go to school, I lead, and its just not enough. 

I want to live in a country where hard work and ambition are rewarded. Losing the ACA would make it harder for people like me who are doing everything they can with what little they have for resources. My career requires work experience to get a job, and I’m making progress. I need affordable healthcare to keep going.  

I’m calling on my Senators Shaheen and Hassan to keep my healthcare intact.

Jackson Robidoux is a resident of Manchester, NH

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