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I made a decision to go back to school-thinkng it would help me to find a job that was better than cleaning at minimum wage. After attending both university and college and receving a degree and a certifcate from university-and a social service diploma from college--I owe the NSLC over 50,000.00. I was a single sole support parent-and while attending university-my son was in a serious accident--then 13 yrs. old-and was in a hospital bed in the middle of our living room for 8 months. In order to pay for the medical expenses, I put it through my car insurance--which tripled in monthly costs. Now, one loan accrues interest at 8.97 a day--the other one at 1.98 a day--and this fluctuates. I have not been able to find a job that reflects my education-and still have one son left at home. I am currently on EI--on sick benefits. I was working at a call centre. I will not be going back. This loan has caused me great mental stress--to the point of having a nervous breakdown and ending up in the hospital-two times. I have always managed to make ends meet-just barely--but with this loan above my head-I feel hopeless. The changes the government should make-in my opinion-is there should be consideration for single parents while attending school--and thus-a good portion of loan forgiveness--and there should be no interest on student loans whatsoever.
I want to do well in life--I've worked hard and tried my best--only to end up in this situation. I am currently on interest relief--but that will soon run out. I'm not sure how I will be able to make this work. I am 50 years old-and the amount of money I owe--is never going to be paid back--unless I win a lottery. I would have to make quite a good salary to even begin to pay the interest alongside my other debts and cost of living. And-now I don't even have a car--. I recall-in university, in women studies-looking at the prospects for women-and babyboomers and young people graduating-competing for jobs. I see young people who have graduated-like myself-working at whatever job they can get. Education is a luxury only the rich can afford--and it is over-rated. I wish I knew then what I know now--because I never would have went back to school. Indeed--the government needs the poor--to help make the rich-more rich--and student loans is one way-. Education for those who are serious-should be much less in cost-and certain considerations should be made for those whose needs encompass a family. This is my story--at least part of it.
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mayrose
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