Older Americans Lead the Charge for Student Debt Relief in Historic Protest to Washington D.C.

Atlanta, Georgia: A Loud Call for Student Debt Relief

It’s a common belief that student debt is primarily a young person’s problem, but that’s changing fast. In fact, older Americans are becoming the fastest-growing group when it comes to student debt. And truth be told, I’m part of that group. At 77 years old, I find myself facing a staggering student loan debt of $549,497.20. It’s mind-blowing, isn’t it?

The Financial Strain on Seniors

As we seniors try to manage our fixed incomes, juggling expenses like rent, medical bills, and the cost of everyday essentials, making student loan payments often gets pushed to the back burner. We watch in despair as decades of ineffective relief programs and sloppy government oversight create a perfect storm, leaving many of us dragging our unrelenting student debts into retirement.

It’s a crisis that’s getting worse with each passing year. The longer this goes unchecked, the older we get and the larger our debts become. That’s why I, along with a group from the Debt Collective’s caucus of older student debtors, am heading to Washington D.C. on September 12th. We’re not going to play nice anymore; we’re asking the White House and the Department of Education to step up and clean up this mess.

Making History

This isn’t just any old protest. This is the first time in history that older Americans are directly leading the charge for student debt cancellation. Now, let’s be real; there’s been a lot of noise from certain political corners trying to block any form of student loan relief. However, cancelling student loans isn’t just a dream; it’s completely legal and, honestly, it’s something that needs to be done quickly.

The federal government has specific regulations that allow the education department to discharge student loans for older debtors. It’s time for the Biden-Harris administration to use that option to liberate us from these burdensome debts. Why wait? If we don’t get help now, many of us will carry this financial weight right to our graves.

A Personal Story

Just like so many others, I borrowed to make my life better. As a single parent, my top priority was my kids—giving them proper food, good clothes, and maybe a fun trip now and then. I pursued a master’s degree in English education to become a teacher and make a difference. I dedicated two decades of my life teaching students from underserved communities. I truly loved those years. I loved my students, but here’s the kicker: The pay was simply not enough.

After retiring from teaching, I realized I had to go back to school at age 65 to pursue another master’s—this time in pastoral counseling. As a survivor of sexual abuse, my aim was to offer healing and solace to others in the community who needed it. I worked hard, and through my efforts, I found my calling.

Systematic Injustice

But let’s talk about the bigger picture. Thanks to a lack of solid leadership, many victims continue to suffer in silence while false narratives about laziness and failure circulate. I experienced the shame that often accompanies being overwhelmed with debt as I worked multiple jobs as a single mother, struggling to keep up with payments, even with a repayment plan.

Each notice from my loan servicer felt like a punch in the gut; anxiety and depression crept in every time. Ignoring those letters only made it worse, but I often couldn’t bring myself to open them up. Why? Because I already knew how grim the situation was. It felt like I owed as much as a high-powered lawyer or doctor but with none of those perks!

The Change that Must Happen

It’s become clear that there’s a way out of this mess. With the power of the Biden-Harris administration, we can finally see relief for older debtors. We’re demanding it now because the effects of this crisis ripple through generations. Today’s younger borrowers will undoubtedly become tomorrow’s older debtors, perpetuating a cycle of despair.

It’s time for us, the older student debtors, to stand up and make our demands heard in D.C. We’re not going to suffer in silence anymore—this is our moment. Let’s get this debt canceled while we’re still around to enjoy the freedom that comes with it!