I’m a private school teacher who’s been teaching for 7 years, after a career as an artist (read: no savings, a little bit of credit card debt). I’ve been repaying my student loans since 1989, but some of the loans dated back to 1981, when I borrowed to attend a private college for two years.

That proved too expensive, so I transferred to a state school after saving for several years. I never defaulted but consolidated a few times and had to take a few forebearances along the way, so some interest got capitalized etc. etc. At this point, I have repaid way more than I borrowed, and yet according to Sallie Mae I still owe about $5,000. I live paycheck-to paycheck. I’m turning 50 this year and it would be nice to have paid for my Bachelor’s Degree when I reach the half-century mark.

The education financial industry really does seem abusive. I’ve given up on my long-held dream of going to graduate school.

Is there some option for “forgiveness” for someone like me?

Mary