Help me stay at Temple University!

Hello, my name is Sarah and I have just completed my freshman year at Temple University majoring in Neuroscience however, I may not be able to return in the Fall because I cannot afford it. I’ve struggled for the past month trying to find the words for this page. My heart is breaking and all that I have ever worked for is relying on this page. I love helping people and I always knew college would give me the chance to do so, which is why I want to obtain a PhD in Neuroscience. However, I am struggling trying to afford my Bachelors degree.
                                               Who am I?
            I love school. All my life college has been the light at the end of the tunnel. Growing up I worked extremely hard from always having a job to help contribute to family income or being involved in things such as Student Councils, to three Honor Societies, Musicals to Sports, and volunteering. I have found getting involved to be a trademark of mine and it has carried over in college.  

            Last semester I finished off with a 3.73 GPA and a 4.0 in my major and was accepted into the Honors Program. I joined a Neuroscience lab and was also offered a different job in the Chemistry department by a Director in the Department, after working in the registrar’s office for work-study. I have also joined the Undergraduate Neuroscience Society at my school.  Staying well rounded I've tried new things such as competing  in my first rock climbing compeition and making the Ballroom Dance Preformance Team.  I've spent free time volunteering in things such as Greater Philadelphia  Walk to defeat ALS to Global Day of Service events throughout the school year. I have jumped at every opportunity this past year and have shown so much potential.  

What difference will finishing my Bachelors of Science make?
            Over the past couple of months or so I thought long and hard about joining the Armed Forces in order to pay for college. I’m desperate but I didn’t want to join just for benefits. I do not come from a large Military family and there wasn’t a lot of knowledge to draw from so I did intensive research. I had an epiphany when I made a connection to the story behind the ultimate sacrifice. I found the emotional toll it has on people before, during, and after. War can last a lifetime … and then some. I would love to help find a peace of mind for Veterans, Active Duty, and their families.

                                   What have I tried?
            After the scholarships, grants, and federal Stafford Loans given to me by my school I still have an outstanding balance of $12,500 for the entire year. I have exhausted every resource for funding and my current job cannot possibly cover the remaining costs. The current income is going towards books and living expenses and cannot cover tuition. My family is currently in bankruptcy due to a series of financial setbacks including unemployment, a lowered income that is fluctuating on the federal poverty line while trying to save our home so they cannot co-sign any loans. Without a cosigner I was denied for every loan imaginable.  I have written to senators, congressman and even the federal government. I have applied to numerous scholarships and have yet to receive one. I would be the first in my immediate family to graduate college. I want to set an example for my younger brother. I had hoped to do this on my own that way my parents would be able to start preparing to help him. My parents have done all they could when raising my brother and I. But now they feel like they’ve failed because I cannot afford college. That’s not true because they’ve guided and supported their children everyday of our lives.  Something’s money can’t buy.

                                     How can you help??
            In order for me to give all that I can and all the Military needs from an education stand point, I am required to have a PhD. I have shown this past year and every year before that, I have what it takes to make it in the long run. My overall goal (for the whole year) is $12,500. If you can take the time to donate and share this page it will mean the world of difference to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! To show my appreciation if you donate to my go fund me in return I may… send a thank you email! A hand written letter! A poem or a goofy dance! I’ll eat scrambled eggs!!! (For those who know me I DESPISE eggs) but that is how much this means to me. Just a little something to lighten the mood and try to make the best out of this situation.
 
If you can take the time to donate and share this page it will mean the world of difference to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! 

Sarah <3