I will be in debt for the rest of my life and not owe a single penny.
I am 21 years old, a graduate of a community college, and will be graduating from a university in a year. I currently have maxed out the amount of debt someone can acquire in a lifetime. However, I couldn’t be any happier.
I know what you’re thinking, you probably think that I’m either crazy or have the most efficient tactic to deal with stress.
Neither of those is correct, however. The truth is that I don’t owe anyone, not a person, not a school, not a loan program, a single penny. I will be graduating with my second-degree debt free. I have a ton of debt, however, none of it is financial. I am in debt with my parents, my mentors, and God.
You see, debt at the very root means owing someone something. It never mentions money. I have been influenced tremendously by key players in my life that have molded me in a position to grow. I believe everyone grows similar to a plant. For example, a plant, under the right conditions and nutrients, can grow without limit. However, limit that plant’s sunlight or nutrients, and you’ll see it plateau. But if you water the plant and expose it to the right amount of sunlight, it will grow passionately. As a senior in college, I can now value how my parents, mentors, and God gave me all the conditions to be where I am at now. The way I see it is that we are all seeds. Everyone on this planet has the potential to reach his or her goals. However, in order for this to happen, the conditions in which the seed will grow in will give it direction. For me, my parents represent the soil in which I absorb all my core values and ambitions. God is the sun, always proving the energy and guidance to grow. And finally, mentors are the water needed to continue growing.
At the age of 21, I’ve failed many times. However, I never stop growing. I am in debt, however, that debt is a constant reminder that I need to be doing more. The only way I can ever repay the lifetime amount debt I’ve acquired already is by being successful. The purpose of this article is to acknowledge and give thanks to those who have provided you with all the resources to grow. Everyone has a different recipe for growth. However, I challenge you to number all the people who have helped you and tell them that you are in debt with them. Tell them that you will pay back all their guidance and wisdom back with success. Let that be a reminder to you that you have to be doing more from here on out to pay back the debt you’ve acquired.
