Lauren’s Story
Lauren is a graduate student currently pursuing a master’s degree in social work. Entering her seventh year of college Lauren’s education has not been cheap. “I was lucky to have parents that began saving for my education when I was very young. My father was very adamant about discussing our savings accounts and college with my brother and I on a regular basis”.
Through her parent’s direction Lauren began to save on her own as well, “I worked every summer from the time I was 14 and put most of my earnings into my savings”. When it came time for her to graduate high school Lauren was prepared for the next chapter in her life. “There was never a question on whether or not I would go to college, I was not worried about the cost and I got into my first choice school”.
Lauren parent’s foresight on saving paid off and she graduated college debt free. “I don’t know what I would have done without my college savings, I may have gone to a two year college instead or chosen a different career. It is not easy to be a social worker and pay off loads of debt”. Two years ago Lauren decided to continue her education by entering graduate school. “I’m taking out some federal loans to help pay for grad school. I never would have gotten a master’s degree if I hadn’t had a college savings. Adding grad school debt to undergrad debt would have just been too much”.
When asked what she thinks about CSAs for all children born in Illinois Lauren says, “I think that it would give children the opportunity to become what they are most interested in and not just what their current situation dictates”. Lauren believes CSAs are a smart investment for Illinois, “I think Children’s Savings Accounts will produce a stronger workforce, more financially secure families and will ultimately strengthen our states economy”.