Support a Mental Health Advocate's Student Loan Relief

Hello all!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and gain a better understanding of my fundraiser. First thing's first: why am I here? Money is important, but why? I like many people of my generation, was encouraged to go to college to make a better life for ourselves. That very quickly was waylayed by the significant increase in the cost of living and markets that were flooded with grads. What's more, none of of could have predicted the COVID pandemic and its long-standing impact on our world and our country. It's easy to say that our country is going in directions not all of us agree with: Rising unemployment, government rollbacks, fluctuations in social issues, and increased uncertainty have made it difficult for people to see a way out. I am a mental health therapist, who specializes in trauma, grief, and body awareness. I help my clients navigate trauma and intense emotions and build tools that help them manage stressful situations. Regardless of where you stand on social issues, stress is an epidemic and the current political climate as well as the social uncertainty that comes with it, contribute heavily to that.

As a social worker, my duty and privilege is to help others, what's hard is covering living expenses and student loans.

I went into this field knowing that I wasn't going to make a ton, but the lack of consistency with wage increases to cost of living were unanticipated barriers to paying everything off.

I don't like having to do this, but this honestly would help me greatly. My student loans are a monster to look at; a whopping $98,505. This was still after scholarships, the G.I. bill, and financial aid. My family and I have already paid over $60k for undergrad loans.

I've engaged in SAVE and consolidated my loans into one price. I'm concerned about having these hanging over my head, accruing interest as I try to pay them off while going into my career. Those of you who know me know I've worked very hard to get to where I am and that I am incredibly dedicated to what I do. I love mental health, I love social justice, and I am striving to improve both through policy change. Through myriads of trials and left turns, I have managed to obtain four degrees, work in in-patient and outpatient mental health organizations, aid children and adults, and encounter people from many socioeconomic backgrounds in my pursuit to bring on-the-ground experience into policy. I'm asking for any help I can get in paying for these, $1 if you can spare. My family is kind and supportive, but I know full well that we can't all just pull this out of thin air. Right now, all I'm asking for is $3,500—it's not the full amount, but it will make this number a little less scary. All proceeds will go towards the principal to try and lower my interest rate. Thank you in advance to anyone who can help me pay this down.