People Helping People

by: Michael Shulman

Why am I passionate about the SuccessFunding cause? Until recently, the topic of student debt was not one I knew much about or cared to know much about… As I reread that last sentence, I realize how pretentious I sound. How could I not understand the monumental costs of a college education? The answer is simple: no one ever told me. I am lucky enough to be raised by a loving family who supports me unconditionally. They find happiness in paving my path to success in life. When the idea of college appeared on the horizon, it was a no brainer. The price tag never came into the discussion. For my parents, the only thing talking about the price would do is discourage me. They kept me in the dark about how steep college tuitions were to avoid my worrying about things that were out of my control. The expression ‘ignorance is bliss’ has never rung so true. My education was paid for in full by my parents, and that’s the way it was. When I talked to my old man about this a few months ago, I saw a side of him I rarely do. I came home to visit with the family and we got to talking. In a way that only he could, he explained to me that the way I pay him back is to do the same for my kids someday just as his parents had done for him. As he spoke, I saw a side of him which I rarely do. There is nothing more beautiful than people helping people. Whether it is family, friends, or complete strangers, we can all help turn dreams into reality. Michael Shulman is a senior finance major with a concentration in risk management at Southern Methodist University. He serves as a member of SuccessFunding's student advisory board.