Hi, my name is Autumn.

I recently started sharing my story on TikTok in hopes of reaching women my age so they can see me fight my way out of a difficult situation. I am a mother, and unfortunately, I am in an abusive relationship. Like many women in this position, the biggest barrier to leaving is money.

As a teacher, I don’t make much, but I do make enough to live on if it weren’t for my overwhelming student loans. My private student loans from College Ave have been a constant weight on me. The interest alone caused my balance to grow by $20,000 in just one year. I’ve applied for forgiveness and reached out to different programs, but nothing has worked. I was a first-generation college student, and I never realized how heavy the burden of private loans could be.

Right now, I am paying for everything except rent. I cover every doctor’s appointment, every medicine my daughter needs, and I am the one who takes off work when she is sick. I have even lost jobs during probationary periods because he refused to step in. My paycheck is consumed by student loans, daycare, my car insurance, utilities, and all of my daughter’s daily needs. When I sit down and try to find something I can rent, the numbers never add up. I cannot afford rent on top of all these responsibilities, especially since I receive no real help from him.

This is why I feel stuck. If I was able to pay down my student loans, it would free up extra money each month that could finally go toward rent and allow me to create a safe, stable home for my daughter and me.

My biggest motivation is my daughter. I want to give her a safe and stable home, free from abuse, where she can see what a healthy life looks like. Every dollar raised will go directly toward paying down my student loans so I can finally move out and secure a place for us.

If you can donate, I would be forever grateful. If you cannot, simply sharing my GoFundMe or my story would mean the world. My daughter’s happiness and well-being are my everything, and I will continue to put her first. I just need help lifting this burden so I can create the life she deserves.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story.