MY STORY OF HOW I GOT INTO DEBT

Hello, my name is James. I accumulated my debt right when I started college. My parents told me that if I got a credit card(s) that they would pay the bill for me. I think I had about 4 or 5 credit cards. For the most part they were mainly used for school needs. Books, food, things for my room, etc. So after a while I was told by my mother that they had stopped making payments on them. I really couldn't do anything at the time because my major was really demanding. Also, while in school I was taking out student loans thru Sallie Mae. So, from Fall 2000 to Fall 2005, I had taken out $25k worth of loans thru Sallie Mae. As of right now I have paid out all of my credit cards and past debt except for one credit card that I am in the process of getting a validation from. Also, I am currently making monthly payments to Sallie Mae. I have a plan of paying $105 for right now. My plan runs out in July 2008 and then I will be paying $175 a month. Things are looking up for me. I always say to myself its a gift and curse for me to get my Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. The reason being is because while I was in school I had so much debt when I graduated but I left with a great education. Right now I am in the process of giving my younger sister advice on the do's and don'ts of credit cards. Sometimes you have to go thru something to get a better perspective on it. Thanks for listening to my story.