I completed 60 hours of education at SHSU in the past year with the purpose of completing my degree to escape an abusive marital relationship. I know that many asked why a woman would stay in such a situation. In response, I have five children and the only means of support has been my husband. I tried to leave 22 years ago by obtaining two student loans totaling $5,000. At that time, I was unable to complete my education. The student loans, with interest, are now $17,670. This has haunted me because my husband refused to repay the loan and would not allow me to work. Three years ago, I did go to work for an airline and was repaying the loans through wage garnishment. After 9/11, I was laid off so I chose to return to school to complete my education to obtain a job that would pay enough for me to leave and support my children. Now, SHSU is standing in my way of escape. I was listed for three semesters on the President’s Honor Roll. In December, I will graduate with a B.A.A.S., magna cum laude. I will be allowed to receive my diploma. My problem is that due to an SHSU policy, I will not be allowed to prove my education by obtaining a copy of my transcript because there is still a financial aid block due to the student loan. Thanks to scholarships, I do not owe SHSU any money, but I am in a catch-22 situation. I cannot obtain a job that I have earned because of my education without the ability to prove that education. I am still unable to remove my children and myself to safety for lack of adequate income. The TGSL will remain unpaid because of the same reason. I hope that next time someone asks, “Why do you stay?” you will remember this out of the many obstacles a woman faces.