Written by In the previous blog we witnessed how the problem of student loans is a growing problem in recent times. The instance of Stewart’s aspiration to pursue studies at Texas University was mentioned in the previous blog. Texas University seemed like a beaming light in his life until he was hit by reality like a truck. The more he contemplated the $31,572 fee, the more his chest felt heavy. He was not single in this instance. This is the plight of thousands of students dreaming of becoming millionaires and experiencing the American Dream expecting an improved quality of life. However, that is hardly the case. If you have high generational money then only it is possible to make it in foreign countries.
At a recent event, one of the Canadian students made mention of the idea of studying overseas and how all things are pricier and make one feel lonely, disconnected, and way down deep in the belly of student loans.
This proves that this is not just an imagined example of Stewart but rather an experience endured by students in overseas countries.
Stewart’s aspiration to study at Texas University seemed like a beacon of hope in his life—until reality struck him like a tempest. The more he considered the $31,572 tuition, the more his chest weighed him down. He was not alone in this; his friends were also trapped in the same web of fear, weighed down by the burden of student debt hanging over their lives.
Reality Strikes Hard
The thrill of the university application later became restless nights for Stewart. He would stay up all day scouring sites for scholarships, grants, and part-time employment. However, each solution proved to be but a drop of water in a sea compared to the whopping fee of tuition as well as upkeep. His parents were eager to assist him but realized that this would prove burdensome to them expending the amount of money on schooling was like shooting in the dark. His peers even though financially better placed, were not also at ease.
They had a concern nagging them that their parents’ massive investment in their studies would be a debt burden if they could not live up to the expectations of their academic course. His friends, though better off financially, weren’t happy either. They were afraid that their parents’ investment in their education would turn into a debt trap if they didn’t live up to expectations. The pressure of proving themselves oppressed them, and the aspiration of studying abroad became more stressful than thrilling.
Mental Pressure Increases
With passing days, the pressure began to set in for Stewart.
His grades must be spotless, his extracurriculars, and his statement clear—because one rejection would cost him everything. The prospect of signing a huge student loan was horrifying. The tales of graduates working years to pay back their loans unsettled him. Would he be paying off debt for half his career? Would he ever be able to afford a home or have a family? The stress wasn’t monetary only—it was psychological, as well. His parents had always been his supporters, and he did not want to disappoint them. The burden of responsibilities and the ambiguity of the future started getting into his head.
A Crossroads Moment
One night, sitting by himself with his computer, Stewart read an article about students who had taken non-traditional routes—online schooling, community college transfers, or attending schools in countries where tuition was lower. It made him wonder: was there another option? Could he still be successful without being overwhelmed by debt?
Stewart knew he had tough decisions ahead. Should he follow through with Texas University and risk financial burden? Or should he explore cheaper education routes? His path was just starting, but one thing was certain—student loans weren’t simply a matter of money; they defined the whole future of an individual’s life.
This is Foramz, and in the following segment, we will discuss the decisions that Stewart makes and how they redefine the notion of success for him.
Read more Foramz for your daily dose of moral support.
Leave a Reply