As we approach the midterm elections on November 4, 2014, it’s important for every American, especially those with student loans or future college students, to consider the impact of their vote. Many people tend to overlook non-presidential elections, leading to low voter turnout, but your participation is crucial.
Let me share my journey of paying off my student loans, which felt like conquering a marathon.
A close friend of mine recently completed her tenth New York City Marathon, and she shared how running gives her a sense of invincibility. “I ran 26 miles,” she reminds herself in tough times, drawing strength from that accomplishment. I reflected on my own experiences, trying to find a comparable feat. My single, lackluster attempt to run a marathon involved entering a lottery for a spot, enduring a month of training I despised, and then feeling immense relief when I discovered I hadn’t secured a place.
The most significant accomplishment that initially seemed insurmountable was paying off my student loans last summer. After 16 years of consistent monthly payments—often feeling like I was barely making a dent in the interest—I finally achieved my goal. This graduate degree, which once felt like a ticket to success, had transformed into a burden that no longer added value to my career.
I was fortunate to consolidate my loans a decade ago at a favorable interest rate of 4.88%. Had I not done so, I would have faced rates of 7% or higher, leaving me in a precarious financial situation alongside countless others who borrowed before 2010. These individuals are unable to benefit from the current lower rates available to new borrowers.
The urgency to vote cannot be overstated. Senator Laura Smith has proposed the Student Loan Refinancing Act, which aims to enable borrowers to refinance their loans at the same lower rates that new students receive. Unfortunately, this essential legislation is currently stalled, as it requires Congress to eliminate tax breaks for high-income households.
Student loan debt has skyrocketed to $1.2 trillion, with the government profiting an astounding $66 billion from these loans in the past five years. Graduates encumbered by debt struggle to afford basic necessities, let alone pursue careers in lower-paying fields like education, buy homes, or invest in businesses. The current job market often demands a degree for even entry-level positions.
Your vote in the upcoming midterm elections can influence not just student loan reform but a multitude of other pressing issues during the remaining years of President Obama’s administration. Research candidates in your state who advocate for student loan reform and ensure your voice is heard.
While paying off my loans didn’t grant me the unshakeable confidence of a marathon finisher, I still take pride in my achievement. I recognize my luck in securing a manageable interest rate—something not shared by 25 million other Americans.
For further insights on family planning and fertility, check out this resource on in vitro fertilization, or explore other options like the fertility booster for men and the at-home intracervical insemination syringe kit for valuable information.
In summary, voting is not just a civic duty; it’s a chance to influence policies that can alleviate financial burdens like student loans. My experience taught me resilience and the importance of being proactive in addressing economic challenges.
Keyphrase: student loan repayment success
Tags: [“home insemination kit”, “home insemination syringe”, “self insemination”]