Student loans nearly derailed my Ph.D. ambitions. I worry about other underrepresented students, too
- Linked In
As I sat in the financial aid office, the seat was cold and the chill seeped into my body. I was about to sign away another $20,000 in student loans to continue my education at one of the best universities in the United States. I didn’t want to sign; I had never seen $20,000 in my life. But I had already come so far-I was in my third year of college-and I didn’t see any other choice. Looking back, though, I wish I’d thought more about the implications of my financial decisions. My debt nearly kept me from pursuing graduate school and becoming the scientist I am today.
When I got accepted, I had three siblings already in college, and like many Black families, we didn’t have inherited family wealth to dip into to finance our education.Seguir leyendo