College

I had to pay my way through college, so I looked forward to helping my daughters pay for school.My financially devastating divorce made it impossible to help them as much as I planned.I feel guilty that I can't help them, but I'm trying my best.Growing up, I didn't know anyone who worked in an office,…

Winnie Thompson got pregnant at 16 and gave birth to her son at 17.She grew up with and did everything with her son — even being in business together.Her son left for college in a different state, and she finds herself in a unique life transition.This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Winnie…

I'm a writer and a professor, but I won't require my son to go to college.College isn't for everyone and is costly — even if some careers don't require degrees.I'll support my son on any path he chooses to take. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you're on…

A few years ago, Hallie Parker joined a WhatsApp group of millennial women who call themselves geriatric moms — almost all were close to 40 when they became parents. Half of them had two kids, including Parker, who at 33 was among the youngest. Half had only one kid, with no plans for more. But…

When Omarni Webb decided she wanted to get a master's degree, she was determined not to go into debt.Webb, 29, decided to apply to schools in Sweden, as Ikea was one of her favorite retailers.She enjoyed its safety and affordability, and being able to travel freely. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in…

I always wanted my daughter to go to college and graduate without any student loan debt.When it was time for her to go to school, we didn't have enough money for her tuition.I bought a storage unit business, and it became so successful that it has paid for her full tuition. Thanks for signing up!…

I was an average student without the ambition to go to college or pursue a high-flying career.But my friend Gerry knew exactly how much she wanted to succeed in life before she was 11.Her go-getting personality profoundly affected me and motivated me to up my game. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics in…

I was so nervous about job stability and unemployment when I graduated from college.I decided to take a job across the country in Alaska because I thought it would help my career.It was a huge mistake, and I lost most of my friends, but I learned not to put my career first. Thanks for signing…

I went to college in the UK, and now I'm in a lot of student loan debt.Since my degree hasn't helped much with my career, I wish I had dropped out of college.I wish I had gone to a cheaper online school instead or started an apprenticeship. Thanks for signing up! Access your favorite topics…

When I was younger, I didn't understand or appreciate my parents paying my college tuition.I want my kids to understand the true cost of college, so I devised a unique plan.My son pays his tuition first with his saved money, and I pay him back if he gets good grades. Thanks for signing up! Access…