Navigating College Debt and Career Challenges: A Personal Reflection
Embarking on higher education often comes with the expectation that it will pave the way to a fulfilling career and personal growth. However, for many, the journey doesn’t always align with those hopes, leaving a sense of unfulfilled potential and financial stress.
Many students, like myself, graduate with a degree in hopes of entering a specific field but find the path more difficult than anticipated. I earned my associate degree in Digital Filmmaking from community college, aiming to become a professional video editor. Despite my efforts, breaking into the industry has proven challenging. Over the years—more than I care to admit—I’ve only managed a handful of short-term freelance projects while working retail jobs to make ends meet.
The small income I’ve generated, around $230, has been directed toward student loan repayment. Still, I often feel that without a full-time position in my chosen field, I have little to show for the substantial debt I accumulated to achieve my educational goals. It’s as if the investment in my degree isn’t reflected in my current career status, fueling feelings of disappointment and frustration.
Compounding these challenges is my struggle with social interactions. Shyness has always been a part of me; in high school, I was even voted “Most Quiet.” I hoped my college experience would help me break out of this shell. I made genuine attempts—joining campus clubs and trying to connect with peers—but social anxiety persisted. One meeting even resulted in someone commenting on how little I spoke, which was disheartening. While classmates were forming friendships and romantic relationships, I remained on the sidelines, feeling isolated. At graduation, the only familiar faces were my family members.
Reflecting on my college years, I realize I didn’t forge many lasting friendships or create memorable experiences. The degree I earned feels more like a symbol of loneliness and missed opportunities than a tangible milestone. Now, faced with the reality that landing a career in video editing often depends on networking—a skill I find challenging—I question what I truly gained from those years.
Considering I only attended community college and one semester at a four-year institution before being dismissed due to academic struggles, my debt is less than that of a typical bachelor’s degree holder. Interestingly, in fields like video editing, the formal degree might carry less weight. Nevertheless, I desire a sense of accomplishment—something to justify the financial and emotional investment.
It’s difficult to reconcile the reality of student debt with feelings of underachievement.