ESL Podcast 992 - Loan Forgiveness Programs
and counting - a phrase used to show that a number is continuing to change, especially when the direction of that change represents something one is looking forward to
Our sales have hit $4.5 million and counting!
to count down - to count backwards until an event happens as a way of marking how much longer one must continue to wait
Adrian is counting down the days to his 18th birthday.
student loan - money lent for one's education; money that is temporarily given to a student to pay for his or her education, with the expectation that the money will be paid back in full, plus interest
Yevgeny graduated without any student loans because he was able to get some very generous scholarships.
discharged - a debt that has been forgiven or canceled; a debt for which payments no longer have to be made
I think more people would complete military service if it meant their student loans would be discharged.
to qualify - to meet the qualifications for something; to have all the necessary characteristics and experience that allow one to do something
To qualify for the best insurance rates, a driver has to have a perfect driving record, with no accidents and no traffic tickets.
loan forgiveness program - an arrangement that makes one's loans disappear so that they do not have to be paid back, in return for some service provided by the person who received the loan
The federal government is considering using a loan forgiveness program as a way to encourage bright college graduates to consider a career in teaching.
to pay off - to make all the payments on a debt so that one no longer owes any money
It has taken them 30 years, but they've finally paid off the loan on their home.
to subsidize - to provide financial support for something that otherwise might not be possible
Why is the U.S. government subsidizing so many corn farmers?
to repay - to pay someone back; to return money or a favor to the person to whom one owes it
Thank you for saving my life. How can I ever repay you?
public service - employment within the government, especially to benefit other people
Adam began his public service career in the Department of Health and Human Services and then moved over to the Department of Education.
commitment - a promise to do something; an obligation to do something
Serving in the U.S. Peace Corps is a 27-month commitment.
you're telling me - an informal phrase used to show one's agreement with what another person has said
A: That test was really hard. B: You're telling me!
to be indebted - to owe money to someone; to have a debt
Jas gave us funds to save our business three years ago, and we're still indebted to her.
to get out from under - to be freed from some burden, problem, or obligation
How will we ever get out from under all this paperwork?
free at last - a phrase used when one is finally freed from some obligation or problem after a very long time; an expression used to show relief that something has ended or that a solution has been found to a problem
Yesterday was the last day of school, so we're free at last!