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Learn how you can go to university with little to no money using leverage. If I did it, you can do it too!
Many Jamaicans will tell you that borrowing is bad! However, if done properly, borrowing is good because it provides the opportunity for many to obtain things they believe to be unaffordable. To understand why I say this, you first need to know how credit works; so, take note of the definitions below.
Credit is created when one person called the debtor receives money from another person called the creditor and promises to pay it back at a future date. This transaction immediately creates debt (i.e. interest payable) for the debtor. However, it is how the debtor uses the money that will determine if the debt is good or bad. If the debtor chooses to invest the money, immediately the money becomes capital and the debt becomes leverage (i.e. using borrowed capital for investment, expecting the profits made to be greater than the interest payable.) This is good! In contrast, if said money is instead used for expenses without sufficient income, this will result in the debtor becoming insolvent (i.e. being unable to pay debts owed.) this is bad!
Ok, now that you understand credit, I will tell you how I used debt to become the first in my family to attend university. I successfully completed a bachelor’s degree at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech). Costing over $2,500,000.00 JMD, many find it difficult to believe that a poor person like me, was able to complete university debt-free; especially knowing that so many university graduates are currently burdened by student loan debt.
My Humble Beginning
I was born at home in rural Hanover, Jamaica to a single mother, who worked hard as a pre-trained basic school teacher. With my mother’s monthly salary being barely over minimum wage, I soon realized that my small family wasn’t wealthy. Therefore, I stayed focused and worked hard in school. Despite being poor financially, I was rich in potential and ambition. Thus, in 2010, I successfully graduated from Manning’s School in Westmoreland. I wanted to attend a university that same year but never applied because I thought I couldn’t afford to. Instead, I decided to work, hoping to save enough money to pay for higher education after a few years. At the time, I had not considered how Hanover’s lack of development and it’s limited employment opportunities would adversely affect my plans. In no time, five years went by and even though I consistently worked hard, and with my best; all my employers were only able to pay minimum wage or slightly above it. Finally, I had to admit that I was never going to be able to save for university. Admitting this, led me to what may be the most important decision of my life. The decision that no matter what, I will attend a university that year, September 2015. I had no idea how, but I was confident that through careful thinking, planning, determination and God’s grace I would figure it out!
Unstoppable Will
Fully accepting the challenge, I announced to my family that I will be going to university. At first, they thought I was delusional, “U nuh si di boi gaan mad”. However, they eventually realised I was serious after I refused to be told anything that implied that my goal was impossible. I applied to UTech and got accepted. Then I used all of my savings to pay UTech’s deposit of $20,000.00 JMD, which left me penniless. Desperately needing money, I then wrote and delivered in person and or via email over 20 letters requesting financial assistance. This is not an exaggeration, I sent letters or pitched in-person to past employers, banks, schools, churches, charity foundations, businesses, present and past acquaintances, known cousins, unknown cousins, strangers etc. Basically, I contacted any individual or institution I thought was in a position to assist me financially. I got rejected hard, and a lot, in fact, I got rejected so much that I got used to it. Pushing through took extreme levels of self-confidence, hope and persistence.
The Breakthrough
After what seemed like forever, A minister’s wife from a church in the UK donated $175,000.00 JMD. I was humbled and overjoyed. Finally, I received some funding. However, my celebration ended promptly when it dawned on me that I did not secure a place to live in Kingston. Crazy right? Thus, the roller coaster continued. I wrote explaining the situation to the UTech Accommodations Unit and they were kind enough to provide me with on-campus housing, even though they were no longer accepting housing applications. Thank God! The good news gave me the momentum to continue until I was able to cover my first semester.
Debt to Leverage
I did it! I was now at UTech, but I needed to find a way to sustain my UTech education, and I needed to do it fast! The degree consisted of eight semesters and I barely managed to pay for one. Available grants and scholarships were very useful, especially, the student union grant. However, the most lucrative opportunity available to university students was the US J1 Summer Work and Travel Program. This program allows university students to travel to America and work for 4 months, typically from May to August. All my J1 related fees summed up to approximately $200,000.00 JMD. To pay for this I borrowed even more money. Additionally, by the end of my second semester, I had a tuition balance in excess of $100,000.00 JMD. Also, I paid a deposit of $15,000.00 JMD on cheaper off-campus housing that was only 5 minutes walk from UTech. At this point, my total debt was now exceeding $300,000.00 JMD, But I wasn’t too worried because I intended to work like crazy in the US and settle all outstanding balances. Now, do you remember the definitions prior? My debt became leverage the moment I invested the acquired capital in the J1 program.
Return on Investment
In May 2016 I arrived in America, and I was on a mission. With such a large amount of debt looming over my head, I had to consistently work harder and smarter than my peers. I created a strict budget, I strategically planned my weekly earnings and ensured that I met or surpassed my target amount. Thus by the end of June 2016, I settled my debt with all creditors except UTech. I continued to live frugally, obeying my almighty budget and by mid-August, I was debt-free. Now, I needed to earn enough money to cover all my third semester’s expenses; namely: rent and tuition. Consequently, I stayed in the US until mid-September, which was the latest date my J1 visa permitted. By working a bit longer than most, I missed three weeks of school, however, this decision allowed me to achieve my financial goals. I was even able to invest in a professional camera kit which would allow me to earn additional income while at UTech doing freelance photography. Success! I was now able to finance my studies independently.
Apply the Formula
At this point, to my family and many others, I seemed to have done the impossible; they were all convinced that the debt I acquired could only end badly. I proved them wrong, and it felt great. Now equipped with a tested and proven formula that works; I continued to invest money in the J1 program annually. I would only settle my winter semester tuition debt from my summer earnings. Thus, continuing to use debt to leverage my educational investment. Finally, In December 2019, I successfully completed my bachelor’s degree at UTech, and I was debt-free. So, never say you can’t, instead, always ask yourself, how can I?
Start Now
Whatever your goal may be, you won’t achieve it if you don’t start. You don’t need all the answers to start.
Apply to a university or college now! Apply for scholarships, grants, student-loans, write and request financial assistance. Though you may feel embarrassed, and things may get hard, you must remain persistent, believe in yourself and you will achieve your goal.
If you found my story helpful, please share it with classmates, family and friends so it can inspire them to pursue their dreams too. If you have questions or remarks about my journey, write them in the comments below, and make sure to subscribe, so you don’t miss the next one.
I onced heard a secretary of a university registrar stating I don’t why student who know that they can’t afford school apply for school she said this with much disgust. But your story prove people her wrong. We cannot live our lives without faith and a working faith. This is amazing read, continue to be driven and all the best in your future endeavors.
Thank you for your encouraging words! I remember struggling to catch up in a class, and the Lecturer said to me,” you work and travel students too greedy for US money!” I just let it go. My goal was more important
Hey Shane,I loved it,I remember we met in first year and looking at you at that point I couldn’t tell you had it this hard. I am proud of you.I am sure ths article will indeed motivate A lot of persons out there to start a phase in their life they think might be impossible.
Thank you for your feedback Trudy-Ann! Yea, I got good at processing my thoughts and feelings, “God never gives you more than what you can handle” I hope to inspire talented youths to overcome financial barriers and pursue their dreams.
I love this! It is important to learn how to position our self as a debtor; I’m glad that you could see the good in the bad and the bad in the good. Congratulations! With this mindset you will certainly WIN in life.
Shanique, Thank you! Financial knowledge is truly powerful. I will continue to share my knowledge with others so they too can overcome their money problems
Wow, Shane! Thank you for sharing your story and letting others know that nothing is impossible. God bless you and your family. Much success!
Thank you Shelly!
Mr Brown however for me you will forvwr be Mr positive. Im proud of you and all you have accomplished and i know you will continue to be great because greatness is within you. Thanks for the motivation
Terri-Ann you never once doubted me, You are able to perceive endless potential in others and inspire them to be the best version of themselves I hope to encourage others the way you continue to encourage me. THANK YOU!
Great…similiar experience
Us Hanovarians know how difficult it is to go after big dreams in little communities
Excellent article
…love your story
Thank you, I hope it may inspire someone in youth fellowship
Really inspiring!!
Thank you, Share with others so it can inspire them to start their journey
Wow honestly very inspiring
Thank you for your kind remarks
Love this article! We need more articles like this in the world.
Thank You Sunflower!
This is a good story, very motivational
Thanks, bro
Great article Shane… all the best
Thank you, Ms Lyons… such a powerful name! you will do great things Shanese.
Motivating and uplifting article. Keep up the great work Shane!
Thank you Selena, I will
Very relatable. Great audio addition. Thank you
Thank you Monique
Thanks for sharing your story. This will inspire many who are in your shoes.
Thank you Natasha, I really hope it does.
So proud of you bro….I’m definitely inspired by your journey….your journey is somewhat similar to mine…but to cut it short I went on the same J1 work and travel and for worked 7 days a week insane hours….because of that I was able to pay all my tuition fee, my expenses and also bought my camera kit and started photography and videography, now i’m almost finished at Utech where I will attain my Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering…. Definitely proud of you….greater things are coming your way.
Hopeton, thank you for kind remarks and for sharing your experience; You have the dedication bro, You will successfully complete your degree. Your comment will help others to see that they can do it too!
I am celebrating with you that you were successful in your studies at utech. I am proud to say that I know you and the struggles were real. Shane, you have achieved your goal against all odds and you are stand tall….. Keep on being a beacon of light to many. Peace and love
Thank you, I’m humbled by your kind words
Great read! Such an inspiring story. In life nothing is impossible if you have the right mindset. With God all things are possible. Congratulations Shane! Your story will surely inspire others. Nothing in life comes easy, at times the road looks dark and never ending. But with determination, strong will, being focussed on your goal, that mindset , self motivation, confidence, self worth, proper planning and budgetting right; you can reach that success, and of course with those characteristics you did Shane. So Proud of You!!!
Ms Grant, Thank you for always encouraging me to stay focused.
Shane Brown you are and forever will be a remarkable and model individual whom I look up to. This is truly inspiring and just proves how zeal and optimism can push you through anything. You have great things coming. I will definitely apply your tactics and certainly share this. Looooooved the use of the audio as it placed more life to the excerpt. Good job.
Brianna, Thank you for such a heartwarming comment, it truly means a lot!
Well written, this is a motivational article. Shows us to push beyond what we perceive as possible to achieve our goals, and that debt is not necessarily a bad thing.
Gaerielle, thank you for your feedback
Inspiring! I am beyond proud of you. Carry on that said discipline, faith and perseverance in other aspects of your life and you will succeed.
Thank you Shantol, means a lot. I will