For those who have graduated from college, one of the first things you think about is how you’re going to pay off your student loan. Student loans can stick with you for years unless you get lucky or have a rich guardian angel pay them off!
Some students qualify for financial aid and a percentage of their education is paid. Although there’s probably a good chance they’ll still have to apply for a student loan, because nine times out of ten, your financial aid won’t cover everything.
If going to college isn’t hard enough, the fact that most have to pay back thousands is even harder. I learned there are 44 million borrowers who owe 1.5 trillion collectively. With that enormous number, many will be in debt for a long while.
Well, thanks to a guardian angel, Robert F. Smith, the graduating class of 2019 at Morehouse College will not have to pay their student loans. Robert Smith, a billionaire, announced during his Commencement address that he would be paying off the entire graduating class student loans. As the youngsters say today, “Mr. Smith is a “baller”!
Mr. Smith, CEO and Founder of Vista Equity Partners, dropped one of most memorable lines of all times before delivering the good news to the graduates. “On behalf of the eight generations of my family that have been in this country, we’re going to put a little fuel in your bus”. The graduates were so happy, stunned and overwhelmed that I bet they’re still in a daze. The fuel Smith dropped was enough to keep them encouraged for years.
Philanthropy is the act of giving back; we may not like to admit it, but money makes the world go round. For those who have been financially blessed and are choosing to be philanthropists like Mr. Smith, that’s a wonderful thing. Mr. Smith changed many lives when he made his announcement. He has set many up for success with his generosity. It makes me think, what if the world was filled with people like Mr. Smith? The answer; no one would go hungry or homeless.
I was taught, no matter your situation, keep getting up in morning with a good attitude. You should always expect something good to happen. Honestly, you never know when the heavens are going to smile down on you and give you a blessing. Philanthropy starts with you and it doesn’t matter if you choose to give monetarily or of your time, just give. Congratulations Morehouse Class of 2019 and thanks Mr. Smith!
https://www.yahoo.com/news/robert-f-smith-morehouse-student-debt-174428669.html
Shari,
You are so right! I couldn’t have said it better. If more people would come together, and realize that we are more alike, than we are different, and work towards one another’s common good, wellbeing and success, the world be a much better and happier place for everyone!
Thanks Michael,
Your additional thoughts are very much appreciated!
What a most memorable graduation gift to receive. I spent time this past Friday with a nephew who had just completed his first year at University of Dayton. Most unfortunately, like his uncle, the first term was not his best, academically. Yet like his uncle, he has turned it around. We are all grateful that he has. I did share with him that he must work harder now, to assure his graduation, and with an improved GPA. I know he will, cause I threaten to cut him off from all the goodies he was picking up for his time on campus this summer. I was assured by him that he is going to stay on track now.