Help Jason Cooper Overcome Debt and Build A Future

Help Me Overcome Debt and Build a Future

Hello, my name is Jason Cooper, and I am not unique in my struggles.

Since 2009, when the housing crash hit, my family and I struggled with debt just like so many other people. We have been in survival mode ever since. While attending graduate school in Santa Cruz these last few years, I managed to accumulate much more debt than ever before. Basic cost of living, rent, utilities, meals, school supplies, car maintenance, and general breathing as a person in this world has required funds I have not been able to fully obtain. Part way through, I was able to reduce credit card debt by selling my 401k, and even used my student loans to offset some of the credit cards (yikes). Ultimately, over time, the debt has returned, and worse than ever before.

Student debt in the United States has become a significant issue, affecting millions of people across various demographics. As of 2023, the total student loan debt was over $1.77 trillion, and the number of borrowers was approximately 43 million Americans. Many students report taking jobs outside of their field or opting for higher-paying jobs over their passion career due to debt repayment needs. I’ve come too far and worked too hard to turn back now on my passion career.

During full-time graduate school, I relied mostly on student loans and credit cards rather than working, as I wanted to fully invest my time and energy into succeeding at my studies. Though I do not regret this decision, it was not without a [high] cost. By the end of graduate school, I found myself in a very large amount of student loan and credit card debt. Though I’ve earned my master’s/doctorate, I’m still preparing to retake the California state board exam for my license, having failed my first attempt last year. Without my license, I cannot fully work in my profession as a licensed acupuncturist, leaving me overwhelmed by financial stress and constantly unsure if I’ll be able to make rent each month.

My chosen field, Traditional Chinese Medicine, means everything to me. The opportunity to help others navigate their health journeys and support them in achieving better well-being is what drives me. Being of service to others is at the core of why I pursued this path, and it’s incredibly frustrating to be unable to fully practice without my license. I know that once I can get through this difficult time and pass my board exam, I’ll be able to give back in a much deeper way—helping people not just with their physical health, but with their overall wellness and balance in life.

I never lived extravagantly. However, like many, I used credit cards to fill the gap, telling myself I’d figure it out later. Now, that "later" is here, and it’s becoming harder to manage. There’s a deep sense of guilt every time I spend beyond the basics, and the weight of this debt is affecting my mental health and daily life. It’s an isolating experience—our society rarely talks openly about personal debt, yet so many of us carry this burden silently.

I’m currently working various jobs and paying the minimums on all my credit cards, but I'm stuck and unable to move forward. Friends and family have been incredibly generous over the years with support in the form of meals and money, for which I am forever grateful, and I hope one day to pay them back. Right now, the credit card debt is what weighs heaviest, even beyond my substantial student loans.

Asking for help is not easy—it’s actually the most vulnerable thing I’ve ever done. I’ve always taken pride in being self-reliant, and admitting that I’m not okay feels terrifying. But I’ve reached a point where I can’t do it alone anymore. I’m asking for financial assistance, not just to alleviate this burden, but so I can move forward, focus on passing my board exam, and start building a sustainable future.

If you're able to contribute in any way, I would be forever grateful. I’m also offering to repay through services (like massages) or by paying it forward to others in need when I’m back on my feet.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, for any support you can offer, and for simply listening. Your generosity will not only help relieve my immediate financial stress but allow me to focus on my goals and giving back to those who’ve helped me along the way.

With Love and Gratitude,

Jason Cooper