Life After Student Loans

My name is Chelsea Brookes and I am the first person in my family to go to college. My family grew up very poor and there was no money put away for college. Despite graduating with a 3.9 GPA, I received no scholarship money or grant money. My parents helped as much as they could while I attended community college. I saved enough money to attend state university and got accepted into the business school. I was VP of 7 organizations and eventually graduated within 4 years with a 3.7 GPA.

During my second year at university, my father's job downsized and he was let go. Without an education, he struggled to find work. At this time, I was diagnosed endometriosis. It took many rounds of doctors visits, surgery, and an expensive treatment to get it under control. Meanwhile, I went into medical debt.

Currently I am working 65 hours a week between 2 jobs. I live with my parents and cannot afford to move out. As I pay off medical and student debt, the interest rates make it hard to pay down any of it.

Any contributions would allow me to find work to provide for my health, my family, and myself. Please, please help me reach the goal of financial independence.