While everyone deserves an education, it remains the case that some students can only advance their studies if they can afford to do so. That's the struggle one woman has come up against when trying to enrol herself onto a college course after finishing high school with top grades.
She explained how her great-aunty set up a savings account for all the women in her family after realising their culture doesn't value education for women.
The student explained on Reddit: "[My great-aunty] lived with her father in London where she was educated. She went on to attend university and became a doctor.
"She married a British man, they moved to America and had a great life. She funded the education of as many of her nieces and grandnieces as she could.
"When she passed away she left money for every girl relative she could."
However, the woman went on to explain how her parents managed to get their hands on the money she'd left her and her sister, instead using it to pay for their brother's lavish wedding.
"My sister didn't care because she got married two years out of high school and had no intention of going to college," she added.
"When I graduated I went to the bank to get money for school and it was almost all gone. There was like $13,000 (£10,000) left.
"I asked my parents about it and they said they needed the money. I finally found out where the money went. I got furious.
"I got student loans and moved out. I am a great source of shame to them and I don't give two f***s."
Asked about how much it would had covered, the woman added that it was "enough that both my sister and I could have finished our undergraduate degrees without debt."
Seeking justice, the woman sought legal advice to sue her parents for all the money they' stole' from her - however, she has alienated herself from her family in the process.
She said: "My entire family is against me. They all think I am a complete a***hole for airing private family business in public. And that I am putting money ahead of family
"My brother called me up and offered to pay for my university if I drop the lawsuit.
"I agreed as long as we had a legally binding contract. He said I was being an a***hole for not trusting him.
"I said he should not have accepted my money for his wedding. It is causing all kinds of embarrassment in our community."
While admitting she is "somewhat ashamed" of putting her family through this, she asked Reddit users whether she's right to sue her parents or should put an end to the lawsuit.
In response, one user said: "Your parents didn't borrow your money. They stole it. I hope you have all the documents to show that money was yours.
"Your brother is also wrong for trying to get you to drop a lawsuit with what is most likely a lie.
"If you have a chance to start life without student debt you do whatever you can to do that. Your parents, and I'm sorry but their culture, sound completely toxic. I'm glad you got out."
Another user added: "Your parents and your brother had the opportunity to keep this a private matter when you told them you would sue them if they didn't return the money or pay for your schooling.
"Since you have already been betrayed by family members you trusted, your brother should not be offended that you want a written contract."
A third user said: "You know the money was setup specifically so the females could get an education and then it was stolen to be used for a male's wedding is just all kinds of extra messed up. Get your money."
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