[Just_G]

I just graduated in March with my associates in drafting and design at ITT Tech. I owe about $35,000. I applied for every scholarship and/or grant that I qualified for and wrote, god only knows, how many essays about why I deserved to win that scholarship/grant. Doing that is a crock of shit...I didn't get one. Not one. I applied for at least 150 over the last two years.

I did get a pell grant the first year, but it didn't really put a dent in what I owe, but I am thankful at least that much was paid for....for free.

I got offered a job in my field the week before I graduated. I am now working for one of the biggest architectural/engineering firms in the country. I love what I do, but until I get promoted and start making above the minimum of what they pay engineering techs, it will not be easy to pay the loans back. Luckily, my mom is paying the first year of my loans back until I can get my feet set doing what I do.

I think it is really bad that they let a lot of people that don't have anything sign up for such a large future debt, knowing damn well that there aren't jobs in the field they are learning or that are so saturated with applicants, that it is impossible to make enough money to pay back your loans. They really sweeten up the whole "get your education so you can make more money" thing.

Right now, with this new job, I am working 10 more hours a week, and only make $49 more a week than I did before I got this degree. I accrued the $35,000 debt, basically to earn $49 more a week.

Granted, I have a really bright future and all, once I get some experience....but it is going to be a couple of years before I get any type of raise that will allow me to afford not only my school loans, but also a car payment and my mortgage. It's going to be a struggle for a while longer, but I think in the long run it might be worth it.