Katie Hawn, 51Lambertville, NJ
Fifteen years ago I graduated from a chiropractic college with what I thought was a solid career path. I had $89,000 in student loans, but was told that I could expect to pay them off within five years.
However, because of the loans, and with no other help, I was unable to get my practice off the ground.
I did my best over the next 15 years with a simple house-call practice. I made payments on my loan, never defaulted but the interest I couldn't pay just kept getting bigger.
My loan is now over $150,000. I work a clerical temp job to stay afloat. Meanwhile, I can't prepare for retirement.
I do what I can to keep my spirits up, which means putting the loan out of my mind most of the time. Maybe Congress will pass that student loan forgiveness bill and I can have a shot at a normal life after all, if it's not too late. Here's to hoping for miracles.
