Ashley Alicea, a 33-year-old educator in New York City, has successfully increased her annual salary from around $50,000 as a preschool teacher to approximately $90,000 in her current role at Brilla Public Charter Schools in the Bronx. To further manage her finances and repay her student loans, she also works part-time as a mental health counselor, earning $55 per hour. Alicea's situation reflects a broader trend where nearly 60% of teachers rely on student loans, with about 40% still in repayment, averaging $342 monthly. After returning to New York in 2020, Alicea faced the high cost of living, which she described as a rude awakening. Despite these challenges, she has secured relatively affordable housing through the New York City housing lottery, paying $1,954 in rent. Alicea encourages others to explore similar opportunities for financial relief. She is also pursuing a Master of Science in education and mental health counseling, having borrowed approximately $92,000 for her studies, with $61,000 remaining to repay.