Over 50, with student debt

More than 7 million people over age 50 are still paying off student loans, according to the New York Fed.

Katie Hawn, 51
Lambertville, 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.

By Annalyn Censky @CNNMoney - Last updated July 24 2012: 4:48 PM ET
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