Annsleigh Spotted In "Take On The President's Student Loan Plan" - FOX5 News Story

Paul
Yates
By MYFOXATLANTA STAFF/myfoxatlanta

ATLANTA - President Barack Obama says he'll take action to lower student loan payments for many graduates next year. The president's plan will also let students consolidate loans.

Student loan debt has now passed $1 trillion and the default rate is going up.

At the Atlanta University Center, Elyse Ambrose is one of many who feel the weight of looming student loan debt. "I am concerned about it. I try not to think about it too much because it is sort of just looming over my head, but I hope that it'll all pay off at the end," Ambrose said.

Georgia Tech student Andrew Martin said he tries to use loans as little as possible.

President Obama went to the University of Colorado in Denver to announce executive action that will lower some students' loan payments by accelerating an income-based repayment program. The president's plan will cap federal student loan payments at 10 percent of discretionary income starting next year instead of 2014. Graduates with loans from two federal programs will be able to consolidate the loans at a slightly lower interest rate. The White House says the new will lower student loan payments for 47,000 Georgia residents and will give 100,000 residents a chance to consolidate loans. The new measures come as college expenses continue to rise.

Annsleigh Thornton, a student at Spelman College, said the plan would offer welcome relief.


A new report shows average in-state tuition and fees at four-year state schools went up by more than $600 this fall.

Republican congressional leaders complained that there are still many unanswered questions about the president's plan.

They said the real way to reduce the burden of student loans is to slow down the rise in tuition.

Annsleigh Is EMPOWERING! Miss Black & Gold Promotional Video

-A Personal Account

Friday, October 7th, 2011, I participated in the Morehouse College Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Scholarship Pageant. This video is a promotional piece, detailing the elegance of each competitor and the seriousness of such an event. I participated as contestant number four, standing out on our unveiling day with the most memorable introduction.

I am seen here with an added "slow-mo" affect, giving my claim an extra flare.

The Friday following this event was my performance. I maintained popularity vote, stage presence, and an undeniable aura, but ut came up short due to the predetermined nature of the Atlanta University Center. Yes I may sound a bit upset, even bitter, but when people are continuously approaching you, saying you should have won, what else is there to think?

I am trying to understand the lesson I am suppose to learn from this experience. Why must the good finish last? I know I deserve a place on their court and I know that I outperformed a majority of the girls that were rewarded for their efforts. I delivered originality, personality, and my energy was reciprocated throughout the crowd. But I must live with the idea that my best is what I offered, and I'm guessing that just wasn't good enough.

I will be disheartened for a while. But in time, reasoning will shed light upon this situation. I at least was given the opportunity to share my talents with the world. To prove to all those who knew nothing about me that I am much greater than the AUC allows me to be. That I am a performer.

I will grow to learn that nothing in this life will ever come easy. No matter your skills, or how hard you have worked towards your goal.

Sincerely,
Somewhat Of A Sore Loser