Read her story below:
Many people today face excessive student loan debt. It is harder when your spouse has died and left you as the sole provider for your children on a low paying teachers salary. Please help support a teacher who has dedicated her career to public service and teaching children with Special Needs. Please take the time to read her story and understand her situation. Help make a difference in her life. Thank You and please spread the word to others. Here is her story in her own words:
"I received a federal student loan, as an English major, during my senior year in college because it was the only way I could fund my education to finish up school. Later, I went back to school for my general education and special education credentials. I took out student loans because between student teaching during the day, and working on assignments, lesson planning, and grading papers at night there was no time to work. I married after completing school. (With four years of required teaching courses to complete my credentials, and my B.A., I spent a total of close to eight years in college.) I was in my early thirties by this time, so I didn't want to wait to have children.
I substitute taught for several years, and worked in an early start program with a nonprofit helping infants and toddlers with developmental needs for six years. My husband was a small farmer, and fell on hard times, so I was the sole supporter of our family, and could afford to pay very little on my student loans over the years. To make a long story short, I am now a special education teacher for the same SELPA for going on five years, and have been working with special needs children for a total of 24 years. The work is rewarding, but low paying. Even as a permanent employee, due to the excessive amount I have taken out of my check each month.
The tenth year of our marriage, my husband died of renal cell carcinoma. The week he died, I received harassing calls from my student loan company, Sallie Mae, who wanted immediate payment on my student loan. I explained that I had taken several months off to take care of my husband, but it was made very clear to me that business is business, and there is no deferment (or sympathy) in the case of a spouse dying. My husband had not even been buried yet.
We had four children together, and life has been a struggle living on one income and being a special education teacher. I felt terrible last month because my son, who has mild autism, told me that he did not sleep well at all the week before I was paid because he was hungry. The gross amount I am paid does not look bad, but I have over $2,000.00 taken out of my check each month. Additionally, I had to opt for 10 month pay in order to make ends meet, so I will not be receiving a paycheck in June. I will work summer school to get us through.
There is always some loop hole that excludes me from the existing programs for student loan help or forgiveness. My children and I have sacrificed a great deal in order for me to teach special needs children over the past 24 years. Basics such as clothing, shoes, or food are often a luxury for our family. Thank you so much for your support." - Jennifer
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