One of the most impactful and personal policies affecting my life today is the current structure of the federal student loan policy and how it burdens independent students as well as those pursuing degrees in time-intensive STEM fields like engineering. Unlike many of my peers, I do not have the financial support of a traditional household since I do not live with either parent. I am considered an independent student, which means that every semester, the weight of tuition, housing, and living expenses rests entirely on my shoulders.  

The existing student loan policy does not fully account for the unique burdens faced by students like me.