Dear Committee,

                I am writing this letter in the hope that you will reconsider your decision to suspend my financial aid. I understand that my academic progress has not met satisfactory requirements but I wish to explain the contributing circumstances.

                My initial denial for student aid was based on courses taken in 2001 -2002 semesters, when I was 19 years old. I entered college with every intention of success but I simply did not poccess the maturity or skills to secure it. I am not one who believes in excuses now, as I believe that we control our outcomes and so it is difficult for me, to provide reasoning except to say that I could not cope with the stresses of my studies or personal life. My mother’s medical condition had worsened, and she had lost her job because she lost her vision.  My parents were on social security disability and could provide no assistance to me nor did I feel as though I could trouble them for support as I was the support for them. My brother was committed to a psychiatric facility when he relapsed from schizophrenia. It was after my extreme academic failure that I decided to withdraw from school and began working and assisting my family.

 My later plans to return to school in 2003, were halted when both of my parents were diagnosed with Stage IV Colorectal Cancer. It became absolutely necessary to provide complete support for my parents. After a year long battle, my father passed in July 2004. My grandfather passed in 2005 of prostate cancer. My mother continued treatment and seemed to be improving and so I decided to return to classes in the Fall of 2006. It was at this time that it was explained to me that I could not have financial aid due to my previous unsatisfactory performance and I accepted that challenge and did everything in my power to secure the funds to continue. I understood that by demonstrating my academic success I could re-establish my financial aid. My grades and GPA show the extreme academic recovery. I utilized the Citrus Study lab and tutors and put my nose in the books. I participated in the Citrus Campus literary magazine “In The Write Mind”, as Art Design Editor and received three FCCPA State Awards for our campus publication. I received first place in Design, Second Place in Division A Poetry, and Third Place in Division A Photography, as well as the Inner Circle of Excellence Award.

 In September of 2007, my mother ran out of treatment options and so I withdrew from school for her constant care and she passed in October 2007. Anyone can express the pain of losing someone but I need to express that this was the utter and complete destruction of my life as I was 24 years old and now had no family. I tried to continue with my education as planned and went back to class for the Spring term of 2008. My success was very much contributed to the understanding and compassionate professors, who kindly accommodated anything I needed as my determination suffered.

In the Fall of 2008, I returned to class on the Ocala campus. I was struggling to continue my education, to pay for my education.  I could find no employment and I was going to food closets for food, and using my credit cards to pay utilities.  In September of 2008, I volunteered to do Professor Rosen’s radio show “Politically Speaking” and I performed exceptionally and was even asked to go again if space provided. I left the radio station on highway 40 and got into a car accident. As I kicked the door open to exit the car, I realized I was luckily unscathed, however, my car was totaled. I got a ride the college the next day and spoke with a conselour asking to withdraw from my classes due to the circumstances. I was told that my lack of transportation wasn’t grounds for withdrawal. The truth is I could have used the money at that point having no employment, no vehicle, and no food but that wasn’t my concern. My main concern was that the withdrawal would not count against me as I was making every attempt to make academic progress, but no mercy was provided. I lived 28 miles from campus, and so walking would have been nearly impossible and though I considered sleeping on the park benches on campus, I realized that my best efforts would be in finding income.

I received some temporary work but as I am sure that you are well aware, there isn’t much work to be found in Marion, or Citrus County or in Florida for that matter. I make enough money to survive but not save. I was working for Taylor Bean and Whitaker but recently I was laid off when the company closed down. I made every attempt to pay for my mistakes and to complete the process as best I could. Please understand I have exhausted every option in existence and I have tried every form of loan, but my credit is damaged from high limits (even though in good standing). Every loan I request requires a co-signer but I have no family to co-sign. I have been told that it isn’t sufficient that I demonstrate several semesters of academic excellence but that I must complete 67% percent of all attempted in cash. Though I pride myself on achieving any goal, I am doubtful that I will ever be financially able to pay for those courses. Therefore, without assistance I cannot pursue my education or my dreams.  At this point, my only hope for any future success is dependent upon your decision and this appeal to return my financial aid. I will cartwheel through fire for it, and I will do anything you ask to receive my education again. As I have demonstrated before, I will utilize the study lab and tutors and meet with conselours, if required. I understand that if you should choose to grant this appeal that I would be on probation, and I will meet any standards you set to keep my financial aid. I will exceed your expectations and rise to the occasion.

As a kid, I was an average student and I never realized how much I wanted to learn. The realization and hunger for knowledge came to me in long hours of reading in hospital waiting rooms and restless nights of studies and through taking classes at CFCC. I have risen to overcome obstacles at every turn of my life and I have sacrificed myself for my family. Education has become an integral part of my life and I am willing to fight for the opportunity to continue. Even though, I fell short; due to uncontrollable circumstance, please allow me to live my dream. I am convinced that with the help of the committee, I can complete my education and become a positive legacy for my parents.

I have attached copies of the awards I recieved, letters of recommodation from my professors and co-workers as well as documents to prove my circumstance. I would like to thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for your consideration and I hope with the utmost sincerity that you will grant my request and assist in helping my complete my education. Once again, Thank you.

Sincerely,