marcyp06
Member
- Joined
- Dec 2, 2009
- Messages
- 316
- Reaction score
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It feels like every time I find the right path a giant boulder falls out of the sky and blocks my way.
A few months ago I was pondering my future and it hit me that I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Becoming part of the Deaf community has been so second nature to me that I hadnt even realized it. So I found a great Deaf Studies program (Seattle Central Community College) and got accepted to school. I quite my job and moved home with my Dad for a short while to get ready. Then I found out exactley HOW strict their financial aid rules are. I would have to take out bank loans to attend school there. That isnt an option for me. On the same day I also found out about RID requiring a 4 year degree to take the certification test. I was devestated on many levels.
I have always HATED school since 6th grade. I got suspended and expelled, went to an alternative school. I flunked out of community college twice and dropped out once while trying to work and go to school at the same time. But I dont want to be stuck working retail for the rest of my life and I have finally found something that I am head over heels in love with and could do every day for the rest of my life without question.
I gave up for a couple days and then started looking again and I found a 4 year ITP program at Western Oregon University. Both the school and the program seem to get great reviews. I started talking to advisors and program coordinators and just fell in love with everyone there. But it is EXPENSIVE. $32,000/yr for tuition/fees/books as well as housing/food/personal expenses. In my second two years once in the ITP program itself I would qualify for a tuition stipend/waiver, but not until then.
I finished my FAFSA (financial aid) application yesterday and the EFC (estimated family contribution/how much they think your family can pay towards tuition) was $60,000. Thats NOT going to happen. My Dad cant pay for my schooling. But because of that im not eligible for federal grants and the estimated I could get federal loans up to only $5,000/yr.
I am looking into trying to take two years of school at Central Washington University since its in the town where I am living. Tuition would be about$7,000/yr so there is a possibility they will offer me that much in a loan, and im hopeful. Then in two years when im ready to transfer to WOU for the ITP program I will be old enough that I wont have to use my Dads info when I fill out my FAFSA and should be eligible for more grant money and loans.
Im going to lose my mind if I dont get into school SOMEHOW. It sucks because there is no Deaf community in Ellensburg and the ASL teacher is... less than desireable. But at least ill be doing something and making some kind of progress.
Ok... thats my rant for the day!
A few months ago I was pondering my future and it hit me that I knew what I wanted to do with my life. Becoming part of the Deaf community has been so second nature to me that I hadnt even realized it. So I found a great Deaf Studies program (Seattle Central Community College) and got accepted to school. I quite my job and moved home with my Dad for a short while to get ready. Then I found out exactley HOW strict their financial aid rules are. I would have to take out bank loans to attend school there. That isnt an option for me. On the same day I also found out about RID requiring a 4 year degree to take the certification test. I was devestated on many levels.
I have always HATED school since 6th grade. I got suspended and expelled, went to an alternative school. I flunked out of community college twice and dropped out once while trying to work and go to school at the same time. But I dont want to be stuck working retail for the rest of my life and I have finally found something that I am head over heels in love with and could do every day for the rest of my life without question.
I gave up for a couple days and then started looking again and I found a 4 year ITP program at Western Oregon University. Both the school and the program seem to get great reviews. I started talking to advisors and program coordinators and just fell in love with everyone there. But it is EXPENSIVE. $32,000/yr for tuition/fees/books as well as housing/food/personal expenses. In my second two years once in the ITP program itself I would qualify for a tuition stipend/waiver, but not until then.
I finished my FAFSA (financial aid) application yesterday and the EFC (estimated family contribution/how much they think your family can pay towards tuition) was $60,000. Thats NOT going to happen. My Dad cant pay for my schooling. But because of that im not eligible for federal grants and the estimated I could get federal loans up to only $5,000/yr.
I am looking into trying to take two years of school at Central Washington University since its in the town where I am living. Tuition would be about$7,000/yr so there is a possibility they will offer me that much in a loan, and im hopeful. Then in two years when im ready to transfer to WOU for the ITP program I will be old enough that I wont have to use my Dads info when I fill out my FAFSA and should be eligible for more grant money and loans.
Im going to lose my mind if I dont get into school SOMEHOW. It sucks because there is no Deaf community in Ellensburg and the ASL teacher is... less than desireable. But at least ill be doing something and making some kind of progress.
Ok... thats my rant for the day!