Virginia Inaugural Ball for the Democratic Party

The day before President Obama was sworn into office for his second term, I had the honor of attending an inaugural ball. This was a humbling experience and quite a privilege to be able to attend. On a side note, it all began with the renting of a tuxedo. Originally, I was going to hit up the event alone. But then I decided to ask a friend if he'd be interested in joining me for a night of networking on behalf of the indentured educated class.

Here's how it went:

I called my friend less than a week before the event and asked him if he'd be interested in joining me at the Virginia Inaugural Ball for Sen. Tim Kaine, Sen. Mark Warner, and 2013 gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe.

"Yes," he said. "That sounds fine, but it's ball season, so let me call and see if there are any tuxedos still available."

"Fine," I said.

We hung up, and approximately 5 minutes later, he called me back and said, "I was able to find a tuxedo."

"Very good," I said, "I'll buy the tickets, and must get moving on finding a ball gown."

That very day, my friend rented a tuxedo. The following Friday, I rushed to Macy's in downtown D.C. I found a gorgeous gown the moment I walked into the store. It fit - as the saying goes - like a glove. I purchased the gown, while still wearing it (!), and then went downstairs to find a pair of perfect shoes. Since I had to have the dress ready by that Sunday, I was worried that I wouldn't be able to get it hemmed in time, so I rushed - in the frigid air - to a tailor shop right across the street from Macy's in my ballgown.

One man said to me, as I dashed across the street, "Girl, you're gonna freeze to death!"

"I'll be fine," I sang, "I'm just going to a tailor shop right across the street!."

I was in luck! The tailor shop had time to hem my gown before the ball. I stood on a block in front of mirrors, and the seamstress, who was a Korean woman, pinned my dress. I picked it up the very next day.

I decided I wanted to go to this ball months ago, so I was able to invest my own money in my dress, shoes, and ticket to the event - it was more than worth it, because this is part of my duty to get to these sorts of events to push the issue and talk about policy solutions that will bring an end to this unnecessary crisis. (I should mention that my friend was kind enough to pay his own way). I realized that this was an event that I couldn't pass up, and while I had fun, attending was all done on behalf of the millions and millions of borrowers who are struggling or unable to pay back their loans.

I had great conversations and was able to discuss my work as an advocate for student loan debtors. This was the goal, and I achieved it.

Again, it was an absolute privilege to have been invited to this event and then attend.

Here are some pictures of when I went to get my dress tailored. Of course, I've also included a few photos that my friend was kind enough to take of me from the evening at the ball. It is with great pleasure that I share these images with all of my readers.

On another note, I returned today from the Hill, and had a fantastic conversation with a staffer about ways in which we need to solve the student lending crisis. Folks, they are listening, and this is going to be the year. This is going to be OUR year to solve the student lending crisis. I am determined, absolutely determined that 2013 will be the year for actual solutions for current borrowers. 

Looking forward to going to the ball [#1]

Still at the tailor's [#2]

Pre-ball [#3]

Public Servant for the Indentured Educated Class [#4]

Another shot of your student loan debt advocate

2013 Is The Year of Possibilities and Hope!

Hello Indentured Educated Citizens! I know that many of you are struggling and that things have gotten worse in terms of your financial and emotional situations. You know that Iam very sorry about this and it hurts me to receive painful notes filled with despair from all of you. That said, please, please feel free to continue writing to me and posting comments here. We must focus on tending to one another, and it is my job to do exactly that. Even though some of your notes upset me, and even make me cry (yes! I do cry, because I care deeply about people), I am always glad - more than glad - to hear from you.

I want to publicly apologize for not being as engaged with my political activism lately. I have had a health scare these past few weeks. I even fainted in the Emergency Room last week! But, heck, if you are going to faint, that is the place to do it. But don't worry! I am on the mend, and terribly excited about 2013. I know this: 2013 is the year of possibilities and hope!

Once I am fully mended, I am going to be launching a fundraising campaign on Kickstarter, because All Education Matters needs to be nurtured and grow! (Just like what I've been doing for myself lately, and it's great).

So, again, don't worry about my health. I am feeling stronger every day, and am very excited to continue my work as an advocate for the indentured educated class.

On another note, many of you have been talking about fleeing the country for jobs elsewhere. I want to offer some help on that, because this is something I also write about. So, I am at your service for that, too.

Stay tuned, friends.

FinanceSherpas.com: The Risks & Dangers Of Cosigning Specific Loans

As I mentioned yesterday, I am now a contributing writer for FinanceSherpas.com. Here is a snippet from one of many articles by me on this new, exciting site:

When it comes to co-signing loans for friends or family, the risks are enormous. While it might make sense to help out someone you care about who doesn’t have the credit necessary to obtain a loan, the consequences, if they don’t live up to her obligations of repaying the loan, can potentially lead you to financial suicide. The most dangerous thing about co-signing on someone else’s loans is your own credit score. But that is only part of the risk.

Here is are three types of loans that, if you are asked to be a co-signer, you should consider very carefully and then take the necessary precautions before agreeing to help out.
 

Read the rest of the article here.

Contributing Writer at FinanceSherpas.com

While I continue to write exhaustively about student loan debt, I am now a contributing writer for FinanceSherpas.com. On this site, I write about - and offer advice on - finance, health care, insurance policies, credit cards, and so forth.

Check out my work here: http://www.financesherpas.com/author/cryn/

Stay tuned for some big news, too!

Prayer for the Indentured Educated Class

I don't normally write about my religious beliefs, but since this is Christmas Eve, I will share my thoughts about this special season. As a Christian, I am excited about tomorrow. It is on this day, each year, that we come together and remember that hope is alive and well. It is in our churches, around our dinner tables, and with our loved ones, that we are reminded that there is so much possibility for good in this world. We are reminded to treat one another - whether it is a friend or a stranger - with kindness and good will. I realize it is a cliche to say, but we should all be mindful of being kind towards one another every day. It should not be for just a day or for this season. While human beings have a tendency to act selfishly, neglect those they love, and hurt others, we all have the capacity to avoid these types of behavior. In the very least, we can try to do good works each day. Good works can be the simplest of things, like complimenting a stranger or simply opening a door for someone in need. It can also be part of a much bigger, challenging objective, one that you can choose to pursue as a career.

This season, which is imbued with so much joy, opens my heart and allows me to fight harder for the indentured educated class. I have been waging this battle for well over 3 years. There are times when I am extremely frustrated and feel helpless to change a crisis that could so easily be fixed - the desperate notes continue to land in my inbox, and, sadly, they are from new people. This work has also exposed me to a lot of negative things in this world. But that is not my focus. Instead, I pay very close attention to the kind words of support that I receive on a daily basis from readers. These words of support and love inspire me to continue fighting. I have come to the realization that this fight, on behalf of the indentured educated class, is my calling in life. Of course, I wish it weren't such a serious problem. Unfortunately, millions of us know that that is not the reality. The problem has been magnified. And for many of you, your situations are worsening. I want you to know that I am sorry for that. Rest assured, you are not alone. Moreover, there is someone who is fighting for you. It is a gift to be able to fight such a battle. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

So, for those of you who will be celebrating the birth of Christ tomorrow, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas.

-Cryn

Founder & Exec Director
All Education Matters