NEPTUNE BEACH, Fla. -- In Fletcher Country, Vice President Joe Biden was an honored guest. And after he spoke to parents, students, and community leaders about making a college education more affordable, he gave Kerry Galligan a moment she'll never forget. She was one of the students chosen to ask him a question directly.
She asked, "Have you considered altering the FAFSA forms so instead of simply asking about annual income, if you asked about annual expenses such as sky high medical bills so that people who spend responsibly on medical bills could get the aid that's like deserved?"
Afterward, she said, "It's like a once in a lifetime opportunity that if I don't take it now, I'll never be able to."
Galligan was randomly chosen by Mr. Biden to talk about her concerns, and she had plenty. As a high school senior applying to colleges right now, she and her family are struggling with the issue of how they're going to pay for it.
Galligan said, "I know for sure my parents would never let me not go to college. I know they care for me too much to ever let that be a possibility. They will do whatever it takes."
Education Secretary Arne Duncan answered Kerry's question, promising to take a closer look at the forms and make them easier to understand. Duncan said, "Your question about where there are extraordinary circumstances, are we taking that into account? It's a great point and we need to listen to that very closely. Thank you."
Kerry gave government leaders a something to consider, and her question earned her a compliment from the Vice President himself. "You're too smart," Mr. Biden said with a smile.
An elated Kerry said, "The Vice President of the United States called me too smart! So, that's something I can say for the rest of my life."
