TheMisunderstoodOne thanks for explaining. And New york is cool! About my screen name. its not influenced by the street fighter video game. I study a bit in my spare time and like learning about japanese and chinese cultures. sakura means cherry blossom in japanese and those are some of my favorite little flowers and and Li was just a random nod to chinese culture. anyway, about the school loans. Im sorry u have so much trouble. i have them too! but i do not have private loans so that makes them less cut throat but in general if u have federal loans u have some protection but not a lot. they have forbearance for illnesses and low income/no job and various payment options depending on income. but if they r private then they can totally be ruthless. based on which ever type you have u can have options but in either case students are fully liable for paying back the entire about unless u cancel them in enough time. i hope this helps