Hi! My name is Katelyn Shlensky. I am a 23 year old Assistant Footwear Designer looking to make a name for myself in this insanely competitive industry! I graduated from The Illinois Institute of Art in Chicago, Il about 1 year ago, and relocated to Huntington Beach, California in search of a broader range of Design career options. There are so many reasons as to why I started this GO FUND ME Account, but I will keep it short and relatively simple for you lovely donators. I wake up everyday so grateful for where I am at this point in my life, however, this appreciation is always immediately followed by stress over money, bills, and student loan debt. Going to college was the best choice I could've made, but I don't believe that people discuss how burdened you will be once that degree is in your hands. I am paying for my education (all $75,000 of it) solely on my own. My mom has 3 kids who she has supported through thick and thin, but is not in a financial situation where she can assist me. My father also passed away in 2009, with nothing to his name. And although I have a full time job which I love and am thankful for every day, it just isn't enough to cover my rent, groceries, utilities, and soon to be $850 of monthly student loan payments. Because 2/3 of my loans are private, there is nothing that can be done to lower or adjust these crippling payments. I am the hardest worker I know, and it tortures a perfectionist like me to have to ask for help, especially perfect strangers. With that being said, I am asking for assistance. Any donation to help me pay off my student loans and truly begin my life would be beyond appreciated. I would do the same for all of you, I truly believe that. Thank you so much in advance for your help. -Katelyn