As a recent graduate myself, the title of the article “They graduated during the pandemic. Now they face their first student loan payments” immediately caught my attention. With so many students having to navigate a drastically different learning environment due to COVID-19, it’s not surprising that they’ll now have to deal with the added stress of student loan payments.
The article discusses the experiences of several recent graduates and their struggles with finding employment and managing their debt during the ongoing pandemic. Many are finding it difficult to make ends meet with their entry-level salaries, especially in industries that have been hit hard by the pandemic such as hospitality and entertainment.
Additionally, the article highlights the fact that some graduates may not have expected to be making payments so soon after graduation due to the CARES Act, which had put federal student loan payments on hold until the end of September. However, with the end of September fast approaching, many recent graduates are now realizing they’ll have to start making payments soon.
As someone who is also dealing with student loan debt and the uncertainty of the job market during these times, this article resonates with me. It’s important to remember that recent graduates are not alone in their struggles, and resources such as income-driven repayment plans and loan forgiveness programs are available to help alleviate some of the financial burdens.
In sum, the article sheds light on an important issue that many recent graduates are currently facing. It highlights the challenges and uncertainties that come with dealing with student loan debt during a pandemic and emphasizes the need for support from both the government and private institutions. It’s essential that we continue to have conversations around these topics and work towards finding solutions for those impacted by the ongoing crisis.
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