#FeelTheBern - Sanders gets my vote

Bernie Sanders gets the student loan debt crisis. We, the indentured educated class, need someone like him in office. Plus, he wants free public university. These ideas align with my own regarding higher education.

#FeelTheBern

"Make College Free For All" - Bernie Sanders, Op-Ed, Washington Post, Oct 22, 2015

Loan Watchdog and Ally to Student Debtors, Rohit Chopra, Joins Department of Education

Last week, news outlets and higher education policy circles were abuzz when it was learned that Rohit Chopra, 33, left his previous position as student loan ombudsman at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to join the Department of Education. Chopra's work as a watchdog against abuses committed by banks and student lenders is well-known. In addition, he has been critical of both the Obama administration and the Department of Education. The news that he has now joined the Department is cause for celebration. I predict that we might actually see tangible policy changes for those of us who carry student loan debt, and changes that are big and meaningful and not just for show. He's a proven ally of borrowers. As was noted in an email to the Washington Post, CFPB Director Richard Cordray had this to say about Chopra's work: "Rohit Chopra has shined a spotlight on the problems facing millions of student loan borrowers as well as the broader impact of their struggle on our economy . . .  His work is respected among policymakers, advocates, and industry. Rohit is setting the bar high as a strong advocate for student borrowers." Cordray made those comments in June of 2015 (see my links below for the full article and original source).

 I look forward to seeing what happens within the Department now that he has joined them. As one of my sources recently told me, "The news that Chopra has joined the Department is very good, perhaps we'll see things shaken up a bit."

AEM will certainly be keeping tabs on Chopra's work there.

Finally, if you're interested, here is a link to Chopra's author archive at the CFPB.

Sources:

The Obama Administration Just Hired One of Its Biggest Critics," The Huffington Post, January 13, 2016

Consumer watchdog says goodbye to student loan pointman , The Washington Post, June 17, 2015

CFPB Official Speaks Loudly on Student Loans, WSJ, December 3, 2014

Source: Photographer Unknown

The Problem Persists - Suicides and Student Loan Debt

Since I am going through old posts to wrap up the final chapters of my book, I am reminded of the work I did before anyone else was talking about the student loan debt crisis. So much has changed since I began this project over 6 years ago! 

The below link is to my interview on NPR in the summer of 2012. It is about the suicides related to student loan debt. The topic still has relevance as a specific chapter of my book details this serious mental health issue. 

As I said, if you are interested in listening, I've posted the link below. I myself was going through a major change, a life changing event, one that proved to be incredibly painful and laden with tremendous personal loss, and so I wasn't even sure I could bring myself to go to the radio studio and discuss such a heavy and emotionally difficult topic. But I knew I had to do it, so I did. 

http://www.thestory.org/stories/2012-07/student-debt-and-suicide

2016 Plans: Addendum

Many of my readers have noticed that I have been quiet on AEM, and for quite a few years as a matter of fact. It is true. I haven't posted nearly as many things as I had in the past. At one point, I was posting up to 3-4 pieces, and many of those pieces included in-depth analysis, every day. Even though I had full-time work, AEM was another full-time job, and that made me proud, as it was a way for me to be of service to a group of people - the indentured educated class - who lack a voice, especially in Washington, D.C. Sadly, we remain collateral damage, an afterthought in this city. But I digress . . .

Just yesterday I provided a short update about my plans for 2016.

This post is intended to expand upon why I have been so quiet. There is one big reason for my notable absence: working on my manuscript. I've had to focus all of my energy on this project, an endeavor that has been exhausting and daunting, as well as exhilarating. Of course, exhilaration in and of itself can be tiring, particularly when you combine that with being overwhelmed by the sheer fact that are you trying to get a book out the door. I was certainly not naive when I began this journey.I knew it would be long and grueling. That said, I could not foresee several life-changing events when I first began working on my manuscript. Those life-changing events, incidentally, are mentioned in the preface to my forthcoming book (May 2016).  

While those life-changing events at the time were not easy (duh!), I am grateful for the insights they have offered me in the department of "how Cryn needs to engage in self-care and self-advocacy." More than anything, they taught me a great deal about patience, something I needed to apply to the manuscript as well as to my work as an activist.

2016 is young. Only 10 days have passed since the world celebrated this New Year. I don't know about you, but I have a strong sense that 2016 is going to be a great year, and I am excited to begin announcing all the changes I am making and the new projects that will enable me to continue being of service to the indentured educated class.

2016 Update

Since this is the New Year, I am setting some major professional goals for myself.

For starters, I am going to be posting a lot more analysis, news, and opinion pieces about the student loan debt crisis here . . . at least for now. I say that with hesitation, as I am in the process of some major revamps, a lot of which relates to All Education Matters.

As those projects are accomplished, including the forthcoming publication of my book in May 2016, I'll provide updates.

What I want for 2016 - STUDENT DEBT JUBILEE

My wish for 2016: STUDENT DEBT JUBILEE!