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HOLLYWOOD, CA - FEBRUARY 28: Actor Leonardo DiCaprio (L) and Kate Winslet attend the 88th Annual Academy Awards at Dolby Theatre on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California. Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images
A Familiar Story: Graduating With Debt
ABC News
When Ford received her bachelor’s degree in 2011, she was the first person in her family to graduate from college. She was proud and didn’t stop there, returning to school to get her nursing degree.
It was tough, especially since Ford didn’t have any family assistance to help her to pay for things. In order to afford necessities like food and rent, plus her tuition, she relied on student loans, reports ABC News.
“I could not foresee when I’d be able to pay it off,” Ford told the publication. “I just knew this was going to be a part of my life as long as I was alive unless there was some significant change.”
Arrival of Surprising News
At 30 years old, Ford was working nearly every day at two jobs and providing for her two-year-old son, Caleb. She didn’t see an end in sight, but then out of nowhere, Fifth Third Bank contacted her and told her it was paying off her $150,000 loans, free and clear.
“I still can’t find the words [...] I’m off work again today, and I’m just sort of pacing around and restless because I know my life is going to change.” -Jasmin Ford
The bank had selected Ford after she was chosen to participate in a documentary about student loan debt. She thought the crew was coming to her house to shoot some extra footage when they dropped the news.
“The documentary in itself was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” she continued. “I’m a South Side of Chicago nurse and I have a kid, that in itself is not that exciting, and I got to be in a documentary and I met some amazing people on the way.”
A Life-Changing Moment
Ford was surprised by the amazing gesture, and knows it is a game changer for herself and her son.
“His life will be totally different,” she said. “I’m so happy and so proud that I’m able to offer that to him more than anything else because he deserves it.”
Looking forward, Ford is excited to pay it forward with her nursing degree, but also just to have more freedom, both mentally and physically. She wants to spend less time hustling and more time with her family, all while embracing what comes next.
“I can open myself to more experiences, opportunities and just be able to sit and be with my thoughts and be able to pursue what it is I came to do,” she added.
A Lesson in Perseverance
Ford’s story is a perfect example of the fact that while there’s something to be said for pursuing your dreams and working hard, the road to success isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it feels completely riddled with obstacles that may make you want to give up.
But sometimes, good things really do happen to good people. Ford wasn’t expecting this level of help, but she knows just how game-changing it is.
Her story inspires many to hold onto hope and keep stepping forward even when the path is uphill because, in the end, it will somehow work out.
We just need to hold onto faith and, when times get tough, remember to keep pushing through.
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