Students look to positivity

With an increasing amount of graduates defaulting on loans, students at the University of Maryland, College Park struggle to keep a positive view.

“I hear something is improving, but honestly, I don’t get affected much by it personally because my parents are the ones paying for my education,” said Stephanie L’Amant, senior psychology major. “If it were really improving wouldn’t we see a fewer amount of students stressing out over having to do their school work as well as pull four hour shifts here and there?”

The view of the economy isn’t too positive here on campus, but some students are hopeful that they will be able to find a job and pay off their loans to avoid further complications regarding the possibility of defaults on loans.

“I’m trying to not worry about the possibility of me having problems repaying my loans at the moment, but I have to look on the positive side of it,” said Dillon Musen, freshmen letters and science major. “If I stay looking at all the negative I’m not going to be doing so well on my work. One thing at a time for now.”

The average loan borrower will graduate with $26,600 of debt, according to The Institute for College Access and Success.

With the nearing of graduation around the corner for some students the improving economy has yet to alleviate some stress.

“Currently I am working in retail part-time and I’m making sure to put a little something on the side for my loans,” said Emeraude Mongbo, junior Biology major. “Some students get it lucky where they don’t have to worry about stuff like this, but I’m paying for my education on my own. I have no choice but to work if I want to stay in school.”