This Photographer Is Documenting The Sad But True Reality Of The Student Loan Crisis
As the American dream continues to survive throughout America, and in some ways flourish, it's practicality has been diminishing over the years. Thanks to constantly inflating tuition costs, lack of accessibility to grants, and the abating of college scholarship money for many schools, millenials across America are graduating with thousands of dollars of student loans and credit card debt, making full-on independence and financial subsistence more of a pipe-dream than an American dream.
Scores of graduates, including ones with well-paying career jobs, are forced to forego their plans for freedom and self-sufficiency, and live at home, sometimes for several years on end, due to the financial burden their massive debts present. Los Angeles editorial photographer, Damon Casarez, documents the stories and situations of just a few of these beleaguered millenials, in his project, "Boomerang Kids."
Monica has a degree in Literature and Writing. She currently volunteers at a library and also works at Home Depot.
Loans: $44,000
Alexandria has a degree in Economics. She currently works for a corporate-security firm.
Loans: $90,000
Gabriel majored in Graphic Design. He currently works as a graphic designer and production assistant.
Student Loans: $130,000
Annie majored in Advertising and Public Relations. She currently works as a project coordinator.
Loans: $75,000
Robert majored in Asian Humanities. He is currently looking for voiceover work.
Loans: $10,000
Jacqueline has a BA in Communications. She currently works as a production assistant for commercials and music videos.
Student loans: $0
Credit-card debt: $22,000
Harry has a BA in Economics. He currently works for a rental car company.
Loans: $12,000
Lila majored in Painting. She currently is a decorative finisher for an interior designer.
Loans: $25,000
Mikey majored in Film Studies. He currently works part-time at a Malt Shop.
Loans: $80,000