No more DEBT by Jillian

No more DEBT by Jillian - May 2025 Scholarship Essay

If I had unlimited time and money, I would use what I’ve learned in school to help solve the student loan crisis. School has taught me that education is one of the most powerful tools a person can have. It opens doors, creates opportunities, and helps people follow their dreams. But I’ve also learned that for many people, especially in the U.S., getting an education comes with a huge cost—student loan debt.

With the resources I’d have, I would pay off student loan debt for people across the country. So many graduates are stuck working jobs they don’t love just to make their monthly payments. Some can’t even afford to start families or buy homes. I’d want to give them a fresh start so they could actually use their degrees without being held back financially.

I’d also work to make college more affordable—or even free—for future students. No one should have to choose between getting an education and being in debt for the rest of their life. What I’ve learned in school has made me realize that fair access to education can change lives. I’d use that knowledge to create a world where learning lifts people up, not weighs them down.