DEBT-FREE EDUCATION
The cost of higher education has truly gotten out of hand.
Why the Student Loan Crisis Is Even Worse Than People Think
A simple Google search will bring up loads of articles across the net on the current figure of approximate college debt for the typical student - on the order of $28,000 as of 2014.
It's not unlikely that you may even know someone whose education debt approaches six figures.
Why the Student Loan Crisis Is Even Worse Than People Think
A simple Google search will bring up loads of articles across the net on the current figure of approximate college debt for the typical student - on the order of $28,000 as of 2014.
It's not unlikely that you may even know someone whose education debt approaches six figures.
WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ME:
Debt-free education is incredibly important to me because over the past decade I've been trying to recognize my gratitude nearly every day, that the life I've been living has in large part been made possible because a generous college scholarship led me to graduate university debt-free.
Where I saw many of my friends take positions at corporations that they were perhaps not all that excited to work for (if they even got a job) or in fields irrelevant to their major - to start paying back those loans - I found myself with the freedom to pursue national service options like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. And to travel while doing so!
Now, I haven't made much money in the past decade, but the ironic thing about not having debt is that I was able to pursue a wildly interesting, creative, meaningful and impactful path. Making money was never the point, thankfully.
Coincidentally, through this frugal decade, I've found myself a minimalist and have come to value experiences over buying lots of stuff. I no longer subscribe to that notion we're socially fed to be rich and have a large house. Honestly though, maybe too many aren't even trying for that either necessarily, they're trying to get out of debt first!
Moreover on a personal note, I'm confident I've garnered interesting skills and an incredible network because of these experiences. In all likelihood, I'll be fine financially anyway. To recognize my privilege is a very fortunate position to be in.
For how many more young people could we make this possible too?
So many.
Where I saw many of my friends take positions at corporations that they were perhaps not all that excited to work for (if they even got a job) or in fields irrelevant to their major - to start paying back those loans - I found myself with the freedom to pursue national service options like the Peace Corps and AmeriCorps. And to travel while doing so!
Now, I haven't made much money in the past decade, but the ironic thing about not having debt is that I was able to pursue a wildly interesting, creative, meaningful and impactful path. Making money was never the point, thankfully.
Coincidentally, through this frugal decade, I've found myself a minimalist and have come to value experiences over buying lots of stuff. I no longer subscribe to that notion we're socially fed to be rich and have a large house. Honestly though, maybe too many aren't even trying for that either necessarily, they're trying to get out of debt first!
Moreover on a personal note, I'm confident I've garnered interesting skills and an incredible network because of these experiences. In all likelihood, I'll be fine financially anyway. To recognize my privilege is a very fortunate position to be in.
For how many more young people could we make this possible too?
So many.
ONLINE OPTIONS
The Internet has changed everything.
Access to debt-free, quality education is one reason why the Internet needs to stay open, free, and neutral.
Truth is, we can learn absolutely anything online these days, free. So why not take full advantage?
I wish the Khan Academy existed when I was in school!
There will always be value in on-campus, in-person learning, but costly colleges had better start paying attention before their expensive arrogance leads them closer to irrelevance.
Access to debt-free, quality education is one reason why the Internet needs to stay open, free, and neutral.
Truth is, we can learn absolutely anything online these days, free. So why not take full advantage?
I wish the Khan Academy existed when I was in school!
There will always be value in on-campus, in-person learning, but costly colleges had better start paying attention before their expensive arrogance leads them closer to irrelevance.
