In an effort of full disclosure, the subject of this article is the author’s own son. 

Repaying student loans is an ongoing problem, especially in rural Indiana where jobs that require higher education are scarce and many jobs pay minimum wage. However, lack of good jobs is not the only cause for the student loan problems.

Such is the case for John Shank, a former college student who is struggling to make ends meet.

“I graduated high school in 2008,” John said. He started college that fall, but transferred schools after two years because the college did not offer the degree he wanted.

“John did his research to find the right school, so he had my blessings to transfer,” said John’s mother, Jennifer. “We thought all his credits would transfer, but that was just not the case.”

John spent five years attempting to attain a college education; however, when funds ran out, he had to find full time employment and take online courses.

“I didn’t realize how hard it would be to keep up on course work and work a fulltime job.” John had to drop his classes and did not finish his degree.

John says he would do a few things differently, mostly concerning how he financed his education and how he spent the money.

“Not being able to find a job that covers all my bills is a problem. Really understanding about student loan debt would have been helpful.”

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