Editor’s note: The following is part of a series of letters from students in teacher Jennifer Mansour’s class at Learning Expeditions. The students are in grades 7 to 12.
If you would like to get your class involved in writing letters — includes a visit from The Chief editorial staff — email jthuncher@squamishchief.com
In the last few years Squamish’s population has grown exponentially, and it’s not surprising. I have always liked living in Squamish, but having read that Squamish was rated one of the top cities to work and live, according to an article by Eric Zimme, “Best Place to Work in B.C.” this makes me feel more comfortable thinking about living in Squamish after graduation. According to the article, Squamish is one of the best places to live in B.C. because of the growing population and income growth. The article did not confirm whether or not the income growth experienced is due to increases in salaries for local jobs, but regardless, there is more money flowing through the community.
The thing I am most worried about is housing and not being able to afford living here. I grew up here and I like living here. I’m worried that when I graduate high school it will be difficult for me to find housing at an affordable cost. My goal is to have enough money to buy and tune my own rally or drift car. I am very passionate about it and would like to do the motorsport professionally. But until I get my sponsorships and before that, a car, I’m just another young person trying to make ends meet in an increasingly expensive place to live.
On the one hand, the amount of money rising in the community is great, but on the other, the cost of living is going to rise with it. There is constant pressure to make sure that your earnings can keep up with the cost of living. And the fear that I have of not being able to keep up with the cost of living is growing and growing as I get closer to graduation because I don’t want to move away from family and friends, but I also don’t want to be homeless or constantly hungry.
Samuel Smallwood
