Featured Student Loan Debt Forgiveness Member - Help my friend Gail!

Gail is a strong supporter and reliable volunteer for the Forgive Student Loan Debt Movement. She's the featured member this week, and I want to give thank her for her dedication and continued help. It's members like her who inspire me to continue fighting the good fight.

C: Where did you go to school?

G: International Academy of Design & Technology (IADT), Tampa Florida.

C: Why did you pursue the degree(s) you have now or will soon have?

G:  I have worked in a field that I fell into at a young age, and I was never happy in, and worked at least 1 often 2 jobs for many years to survive. With my kids grown and gone I decided to pursue the education and career that I had always had a passion for and a talent in. I now have a BFA in Interior Design. I graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2006. Since graduating I have only worked 18 months due to lay offs and never made more than 28k per year.

C: What is your day-to-day life like as a result of your student loan debt?

G: I wake up to the Sallie Mae alarm clock. They call faithfully at 8:10 am every day. They tell me how many days delinquent I am and I tell them I am still unemployed and broke just like yesterday.I then spend about 4 hours on the computer searching for and applying for jobs. I can't afford to visit anyone due to gas prices and my limited income., so I rarely leave the house. I write letters to government officials and read Cryn's blog and Robert's every day, along with other articles posted by the FSLDM.

C: Do you regret going to school?

G: I do not regret it. I loved school and studied and worked very hard. I enjoyed being in school again, especially for something I am so passionate about. However, I do regret going to the school I went . . . I feel there are probably less expensive alternatives in schools that actually deliver on their promises. 

C: What do you have to offer an organization/company, and why should they hire you?

G: I have a lot of experience in multiple aspects of the design world. I can perform at an above average level in, but not limited to, the following areas: budget/bookeeping, project coordinator [roles], furniture design, space planning, AutoCad and sales. I am also willing to travel anytime. I would be an asset to any firm because I can wear so many "hats" and always give 110%.

C: Why are you a supporter of the Forgive Student Loan Debt Movement, i.e., what drew you to it the most?

G: I support FSLDM because they give me hope that there is still a small glimmer of light that I may actually get through this bone-crushing debt through forgiveness!

C: If you could meet with President Obama and discuss your student loan debt situation, what would you discuss? 

G: I would like to ask 2 questions:

1.When is the government going to get out of bed with Sallie Mae and NelNet and start protecting the educated poor of this country.

2. The President has constantly pushed for moms to go back to school, get an education and now that we have, we are unemployed, broke and have the most unbelievable debt . . . . What do you suggest we do now?

 

If you would like to be featured on Education Matters, please email me at ccrynjohannsen@gmail.com.