student loan debt
Start writing a post
Student Life

My Student Loan Debt May Terrify Me, But It's Taught Me The Value Of Money

I've learned how to value money the hard way

88
My Student Loan Debt May Terrify Me, But It's Taught Me The Value Of Money
Lauren Gauthier

If there's one thing in life I hate to do, it's to ask for help. I like to be the girl who *seemingly* has it all together and never depend on anyone else. So, you can imagine my frustration when I realized the crippling cost of higher education a few years back and the fact that I simply could never afford to pay for it.

Of course, I never really imagined a life where I didn't attend college. Knowing that my time spent in higher education would be mostly funded by myself, I eventually came to terms that I'd have to borrow money if I ever wanted to afford it. I worked my way through over half of high school and unfortunately, did not have enough saved to even make a dent in my tuition bill when college came around.

I'd be lying if I said I didn't contemplate not returning to school again when it comes time to reapply for financial aid each year. I know this seems crazy, but I hate the idea of putting myself further and further in debt. Watching the interest grow faster than I can pay it off each month honestly terrifies me.

I hate my student loans, and I hate that I am not able to just pay my tuition out of pocket. If there's one thing these loans have taught me, it's the value of money. How important it is to work your ass off if you have the opportunity to do so. Working as a full-time student is definitely not the easiest thing in the world, but it's something a majority of us have to do in order to provide for ourselves. It's worth it when you make your own money and only have to be dependent on yourself.

My loans have held me accountable in many circumstances. Knowing that I'm borrowing money to attend school pushes me harder and harder each day to do my best in class and on exams. I take school seriously because I'm already working to pay these loans back, and know that I will be for a lot of my life to come.

By no means am I saying student loans are the way to go, but for some, they are unfortunately the only option when it comes to affording higher education.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71354
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133446
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments