Returning to college- financial/ emotional decisions.

[Wednesday]

I'm in a pretty sticky situation and I hope someone out there has some advice for me. Chances are nobody has done this exactly; but maybe you've been in a situation something like this and have some words of wisdom?

 

I'm 25 years old (next month). When I was 20, I dropped out of college after 1.5 years. It wasn't the right time for me. I ended up moving to another state for awhile. In the time since then, I have gone through a lot of crap, had some poor work history, made some dumb decisions. I'm now coming out the other side with my credit a mess, a bankruptcy on my record, and about 5,000 in student loans that must be paid. The loans have gone into default twice and I am under the impression I have to pay them to zero before I can get even govt. assistance to go back to school.

 

I'm a smart person (although my decisions were rash), and I'm making pretty good money; I have the best job I can have all things considered. I also consider myself talented. I have been writing all my life, I do photography work on my own, and I am more than ready to go back to school to study those things.

 

My problem is making this jump. I am stuck in that gray zone, where I'm working my tail off to try to pay those student loans down, but things keep happening- just lost a third of my savings because my car was stolen and had to be replaced. I have looked into things like scholarships, but they all seem to require you to be a current student. Here is what I hope you guys can help with:

 

-anyone dealt with student loans in default? is it correct that they have to be paid to zero before any FAFSAs can be done, etc? This is what I was told, but I'm not sure if it is correct.

 

-anyone know of any scholarships for those who are returning to college?

 

-anyone juggled going from the work force back into school, and having the courage to pursue talents rather than just sticking with easy-money but unrewarding jobs?

 

-or dealt with a bankruptcy and still getting student aid?

 

any words of wisdom would be wonderful. I'm really trying to fight against feeling stuck here. Thank you!

[SummerRae]

good question, I'm curious about the same thing. Lemme know what happens.