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My name is Andrea, and I currently have $112,623 in debt. The short version of my story is simply that I used student loans for my entire education, which is how I earned a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education. I'm currently a preschool teacher's assistant, and I only make $24,000 a year. As a result, I have a second job and work about 80 hours a week, every single week. The majority of "my" student loan debt is a "stupid tax," because I co-signed on a student loan for an ex-boyfriend. I constantly tell my friends to work hard and save to pay cash for everything they buy. A few of them have listened, but I pray that no one else has to endure what I'm going through. This debt has ruined relationships, and there are many days that I can't quite picture the end.
Reflect: If Andrea could do college over again, what things might she choose to do differently? Why? Write your answer and place in your portfolio.
The average student loan debt has now surpassed $27,000 for an undergraduate degree.
~THE PROJECT ON STUDENT DEBT
7. “This Debt Has Ruined Relationships” - If Andrea could do college over again, what things might she choose to do differently?
8. Why?
All Answers 1
Answered by
GPT-5 mini
AI
If I could do college over again, here’s what I would choose to do differently — and why.
Things I would do differently
1. Never co-sign someone else’s loan.
- Why: Co-signing made most of this debt mine even though I didn’t get the benefit of the education. I would protect my credit and future income by saying no, helping in other ways (emotional support, finding resources), or insisting on other forms of accountability.
2. Start at a community college or a low-cost in‑state school.
- Why: The same general-education credits cost far less and would reduce total loan need. Transferring still allows me to earn a bachelor’s degree without taking on excessive debt.
3. Maximize scholarships, grants, and work-study before borrowing.
- Why: These funds don’t need to be paid back. Applying more aggressively for aid would have reduced or eliminated the need for loans.
4. Work part-time during school, but keep my course load reasonable.
- Why: Earning income while studying lowers borrowing. I’d plan work hours so I didn’t sacrifice my health or graduate ability—avoiding the long-term trap of working 80 hours a week.
5. Live more frugally while in school (live at home if possible, share housing).
- Why: Cutting living costs reduces how much I must borrow and shortens payback time after graduation.
6. Choose loans carefully — favor federal loans and understand terms.
- Why: Federal loans have income-driven repayment, deferment options, and protections. I would avoid high-interest private loans and make sure I understood rates, fees, and cosigner risks.
7. Get career guidance and weigh ROI of degree choices.
- Why: Early Childhood Education is important but often low-paid; I’d research salary prospects and alternative paths (certificates, associate degrees, combined programs) that could reach my goals with less debt or faster advancement.
8. Build basic financial literacy.
- Why: Understanding budgeting, interest, and debt consequences would help me make smarter choices about borrowing, saving, and negotiating finances.
9. If already stuck with debt, proactively seek relief options.
- Why: I would have pursued income-driven repayment, loan consolidation, public service forgiveness (if eligible), or legal/financial counseling earlier to mitigate damage.
Short portfolio reflection (one-paragraph)
If I could do college over, I would protect myself financially by never co-signing, starting at a less costly school, aggressively pursuing scholarships/grants, working part-time in a way that didn’t ruin my health, and choosing loans with borrower protections. I would also seek better career and financial guidance before committing. Those choices would have reduced my debt burden, preserved relationships, and given me a healthier work–life balance — and that’s exactly why I now tell others to save, plan, and think twice before taking on loans they can’t personally afford.
Things I would do differently
1. Never co-sign someone else’s loan.
- Why: Co-signing made most of this debt mine even though I didn’t get the benefit of the education. I would protect my credit and future income by saying no, helping in other ways (emotional support, finding resources), or insisting on other forms of accountability.
2. Start at a community college or a low-cost in‑state school.
- Why: The same general-education credits cost far less and would reduce total loan need. Transferring still allows me to earn a bachelor’s degree without taking on excessive debt.
3. Maximize scholarships, grants, and work-study before borrowing.
- Why: These funds don’t need to be paid back. Applying more aggressively for aid would have reduced or eliminated the need for loans.
4. Work part-time during school, but keep my course load reasonable.
- Why: Earning income while studying lowers borrowing. I’d plan work hours so I didn’t sacrifice my health or graduate ability—avoiding the long-term trap of working 80 hours a week.
5. Live more frugally while in school (live at home if possible, share housing).
- Why: Cutting living costs reduces how much I must borrow and shortens payback time after graduation.
6. Choose loans carefully — favor federal loans and understand terms.
- Why: Federal loans have income-driven repayment, deferment options, and protections. I would avoid high-interest private loans and make sure I understood rates, fees, and cosigner risks.
7. Get career guidance and weigh ROI of degree choices.
- Why: Early Childhood Education is important but often low-paid; I’d research salary prospects and alternative paths (certificates, associate degrees, combined programs) that could reach my goals with less debt or faster advancement.
8. Build basic financial literacy.
- Why: Understanding budgeting, interest, and debt consequences would help me make smarter choices about borrowing, saving, and negotiating finances.
9. If already stuck with debt, proactively seek relief options.
- Why: I would have pursued income-driven repayment, loan consolidation, public service forgiveness (if eligible), or legal/financial counseling earlier to mitigate damage.
Short portfolio reflection (one-paragraph)
If I could do college over, I would protect myself financially by never co-signing, starting at a less costly school, aggressively pursuing scholarships/grants, working part-time in a way that didn’t ruin my health, and choosing loans with borrower protections. I would also seek better career and financial guidance before committing. Those choices would have reduced my debt burden, preserved relationships, and given me a healthier work–life balance — and that’s exactly why I now tell others to save, plan, and think twice before taking on loans they can’t personally afford.
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