Letter to the editor: Drowning in debt no way to start a life

In reference to the editorial “Financial literacy is key to student debt crisis” (Dec. 8, TribLIVE): I believe those of us who grew up in the low- divorce 1970s and ’80s toxic male environment of watching Westerns were more self-reliant and possessed a better work ethic. Of course, today, with math being considered racist even though it was created by Arabs and Egyptians, how can you be expected to apply it? Over 1,000 universities no longer require an SAT test, and quotas are more important than ability.

I went to a state school and graduated with a 3.8 average. I had $3,600 in the bank from my paper route for tuition and worked part time at night cleaning toilets in a department store until 1 a.m. I did get a half-scholarship to C.W. Post but quickly realized I couldn’t afford it, and the debt felt very uncomfortable. Common sense told me to take my associate degree and become a man. I got a job at UPS at 20, got married at 21 and bought a house at 22 — none of which would’ve occurred that young if I drowned in college debt and stayed in school.

Today, corporations will pay for you to finish your degree as a job perk, and there are many good-paying trade jobs available. I can’t give you common sense or a work ethic. Those you must earn on your own.

John Ventre

Hempfield