Professional

Week Pray Slay Weekend Recap: Mental Burden of Student Loans

I have recently moved from Philadelphia to Atlanta a month ago and Werk Pray Slay was by far my best conference in years because it gave me perspectives from different sides of life and business ; either financial, mental, spiritual and emotional. Can you imagine a group of women, from different backgrounds and businesses in the same room? I have been in conference where the people are within the same company (nothing wrong with that), but sitting next to someone that can either built your website, teach you how to create your business’ elevator speech, find you a rental property, create a business plan etc…is theeee best atmosphere.

One of the things that grabbed my attention was the Student Loan Doctor, Sonia Lewis. Sonia started the business to really help her figuring out a plan for her own student loans, then  started to help a few people figure out a plan for themselves but really didn’t think this would turn into a major business. Her business is now growing and have received  recognitions from the city of Philadelphia. (Sonia in the middle)

When I first read an article about Sonia, I didn’t really spend time reading because I don’t have student loans, but came to this event to find out that she is not only helping  those with students to create a plan for themselves, but for their kids as well.
Our community is sinking in student loans debt. According to  New York Times, the average Black family in America has one-tenth the wealth of the average White Americans. The black household was about 50,000 compared to 59,000 Hispanic and 68,000 for white; therefore, people can rely on these loans to get by. In addition, African women have the most degrees in the United States; however, we have the most student loans debt. An AA woman who is debt free by the age of 39-41, will likely go into debt once again with a parent plus loans  because she spent most of her time paying  her student loans and not saving for a her kids college funds. Parent loans have higher interest and this constant financial burden will drive you insane. Now, she spent all her lifetime paying for student loans, became sick, passed away without leaving any wealth to pass on to her children.

How can we change the conversation?  If a child gets a scholarship or if a woman/man earns at a certain point, she may be excluded from the latter part. Moreover it is important as parents or guardians to not push our kids right after high school just because they are grown and you want them to experience life just like you did. You are not helping the situation because not only you spent your life fighting these financial and mental demons but you are creating the same path for your kids as well.

One thing that I am forever grateful for is the fact that my parents helped me through college, I was welcomed to stay until I finish school. When I started school in this country, I was an international student; therefore, I have to pay out of pocket and out of states fees. I wasn’t qualify for financial aid but I’m grateful to have a bachelor’s degree without owning a PENNY.   I knew the best way to get by was scholarship. I kept applying every time I get a chance and it could be between $500 to 1500 per semester.  Also, by attending a community college in the first two years, I was able to secure almost a full scholarship just because it was for students who attended a community college in the state of Florida.

None of these made since back then, I just didn’t want mom to get a loans to give me that extra boost. Seeing now how the student loans crisis is outrageous, I am thankful that I did it that way. Moral of the story; there are tons of scholarship for various reasons and all you have to do is applying.

Stop creating the same environment you had as a child for your kids. Talk to them about career choice, what they enjoy to do, financial decisions for school. Instead of sending them away just because you think they are grown and should get a loan  to get by, sit with them and start looking for scholarship, explain them the benefits of attending a community college instead of a private school. They can always transfer after the first two years. Nevertheless, if they find a full ride for a 4 year university that will be amazing. Many people are going through these burdens, financial uncertainty because they didn’t have someone to mentor them about the aftermath of a $100,000 loan. Sadly, may are still confused  about career choice and worried  about loans repayment.
The Student Loans Doctor is changing that narrative by providing more knowledge, education to the community so they can make better choices when it comes to repayment, make better choices when it comes to investing, creating wealth, or even creating a new way to pay off the debt sooner. Let’s work to secure a better future and bag for your offspring.

📸 Shotsbypriiincesss