The best start to 2025

This is the face of someone who just paid off her student loans! I started 2025 completely debt free for the first time in my adult life. I put myself through undergrad and three grad programs. I’m grateful for everything I learned, and more importantly, for all the people I met who’ve become friends and mentors.

Sure, I wish the Biden student debt relief that applied to me hadn’t been stopped by the courts and politicians who lack empathy. I wish I’d gotten some scholarship, bursary, or employer funding. Still, my education is the best investment I’ve ever made. I’m proud of myself for working hard, saving, and reaching this milestone. I’m very lucky, and I’ll pay it all forward now that I’m done paying back all these loans.

What a way to start this new year!