After various degrees and a brain injury, I owe $150,000 in student loans. The lawsuits and election only make it worse.

• Shanna Hayes owes more than $150,000 in private and federal loans, 20% of which is interest.
• After a traumatic brain injury, she couldn't pay her loans for months and her credit score tanked.
• The ongoing court battles and upcoming election only add uncertainty to her repayment plan.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Shanna Hayes, who is a special education teacher in the DC metro area, owes more than $150,000 in loans, and has worked with the Student Debt Crisis Center. It has been edited for length and clarity.