MartaPhillips
New member
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2026
- Messages
- 7
I received my student loan forgiveness letter yesterday, and I wasn't prepared for the emotional avalanche. I'm a public defender, and my job is incredibly stressful.
I deal with people on the worst days of their lives. I've been doing it for over 12 years, not for the money, but because I believe in justice. But carrying that huge law school debt made me feel trapped. It's hard to explain the psychological weight of watching a balance barely budge despite years of payments, of knowing that if I ever wanted to leave public service, I'd be financially ruined.
It affected my mood, my marriage, my ability to sleep. When I saw the zero balance, I just sat at my desk and sobbed. It wasn't just about money. It was about finally having a choice. I could keep doing this work because I love it, not because I'm chained to it. This student loan forgiveness feels like a recognition that my years of service actually mattered. To everyone still in the trenches, keep going.
The relief is not just financial; it's deeply, profoundly personal. You deserve it. Thank you for letting me share.
I deal with people on the worst days of their lives. I've been doing it for over 12 years, not for the money, but because I believe in justice. But carrying that huge law school debt made me feel trapped. It's hard to explain the psychological weight of watching a balance barely budge despite years of payments, of knowing that if I ever wanted to leave public service, I'd be financially ruined.
It affected my mood, my marriage, my ability to sleep. When I saw the zero balance, I just sat at my desk and sobbed. It wasn't just about money. It was about finally having a choice. I could keep doing this work because I love it, not because I'm chained to it. This student loan forgiveness feels like a recognition that my years of service actually mattered. To everyone still in the trenches, keep going.
The relief is not just financial; it's deeply, profoundly personal. You deserve it. Thank you for letting me share.