She Strengthens

The Debt Dilemma: Unpacking the Assumptions

When it comes to student debt, there’s no shortage of opinions. Recently, the conversation has revolved around how having debt affects major life decisions, such as getting married, owning property, or starting a family. While some argue that debt shouldn’t hold you back, others claim it’s a significant obstacle.

A Personal Perspective

As someone who doesn’t live with debt, I’ve faced accusations of being privileged, with critics assuming my parents footed the bill for my education. But that’s not the case. My parents encouraged me to attend community college, and I later transferred to an inexpensive school abroad. Although I do have some government loans, they don’t significantly impact my daily life or financial future.

Debunking the Privilege Myth

The assumption that those without student debt are inherently more privileged is frustratingly inaccurate. Many individuals, including myself, chose alternative educational paths, such as community college or technical schools, which are often stigmatized as inferior options. Even among middle- and upper-middle-class young adults, many opted for expensive schools, not because of luxury, but due to societal pressure to attend prestigious institutions.

The Gray Area

It’s essential to recognize that there’s no clear-cut distinction between those who are debt-free and those who are not. There are wealthy individuals whose parents paid for their education, but there are also those from lower-middle-class backgrounds who found alternative ways to fund their studies. We must avoid making blanket judgments about people’s financial situations.

The Unspoken Consequences

In our rush to defend those from financially unstable backgrounds who need loans to escape poverty, we often overlook the fact that many loan-signers are not part of this demographic. This oversight leads to judgment and stigma towards those who managed to avoid debt, even if it was through unglamorous choices.

Breaking the Stigma

To truly address the issue of student debt, we need to be honest about the diversity of experiences and choices that lead to debt. We must acknowledge that college is not a necessity for everyone and that taking on debt is not always a means to a better life. By being open about practical ways to avoid debt and de-stigmatizing alternative choices, we can work towards a future where loans are no longer seen as obligatory.

Embracing Uniqueness

Every individual’s story about navigating college and debt is unique. Rather than making assumptions or judgments, it’s essential to recognize and respect these differences. Only then can we begin to break down the stigma surrounding student debt and encourage more thoughtful, informed decisions about higher education.