Oh,the Place You'll Help Me Go!(Gonzaga)
Donation protected
I am often told to quite my voice, or kindly laughed at as I hop around and flail my extremities while engaging in conversations about the things/people/organizations I believe in. I used to apologize for being so loud; but then I realized I am doing myself, and my dreams a disservice by shrinking. My passion for the things I believe in is the greatest gift I can give this world. I have a heart that knows no limits, that has a hunger to do all the good in the world it possibly can, while loving the heck out of people along the way. I want to change the world, and let it change me. And while I can’t outline exactly how I plan to do so yet, outside of starting with getting an education at Gonzaga University, I do know one thing: I can’t do it alone.
I graduated with an International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2013, but heartbreakingly declined admissions to my dream school, Gonzaga University. My mother has lived in an out of state care home due to her Multiple Sclerosis for 6 years, and my father is unable to lend support. Due to this lack of financial support I was, and once again find myself unable to afford tuition. I spent my gap year working, a lot. I began to tutor for the AVID program during the 2013-2014 school year. I added on two retail jobs, because I was now supporting myself completely, while also trying to save for school. The gap year I found myself so unexpectedly faced with proved to be incredibly purposeful, and full of tremendous growth of my whole being. Due to the unhealthy environment of my home life, I found myself without a house, but found a home within the many open embraces of those who rallied around me. This support helped me to understand the true importance of dedicating my life to service, the power of love, and the strength that comes with asking for help. When I had nothing else, I learned to listen to my heart, as it assured me that helping people was the only true way to live life. I am coming out of this year with a huge desire to learn, but more importantly as a person who will let nothing stand in the way of my dream to leave a lasting, positive, powerful impact in this world.
I stand here today less than a month away from starting my journey at Gonzaga! (A statement that still takes my breath away every time I say it!) I am so in love, and in awe of the place I get to call home for the next four years. The opportunities that await me ignite my soul. I will spend the 5 days before orientation in a program called Reality Camp. Living simply with 40 other new students, and volunteering at organizations around our new community! I’m living in a living-learning community dorm on the theme floor Encountering Cultures! I get to apply in October for the Comprehensive Leadership Program, a program that I have dreamed of being a part of since first hearing about Gonzaga! I get to decide how I want to spend my time the next four years, I get to decide that I’m going to say “yes” a lot, and not let fear hold me back from amazing opportunities. Gonzaga is all about developing the whole person-mind, body, and spirit, and “Cura Personalis”-care of the whole person. I am so positive that it is the best place for me! It is going to challenge me, and change me, and support and love the heck out of me along the way. I plan to major in Sociology with a minor in Social Justice. I’m also thinking of double majoring in Communication Studies, although I’m never going to stop dancing around when talking about the things I’m passionate about! Upon graduating, I dream of joining the Peace Corps. (Gonzaga ranks number one for small school alumni participation in the Peace Corps. Go Zags!) The Peace Corps is my ultimate dream, and I am incredibly excited to live on a campus that develops the kind of people who become volunteers.
However, I need help, and while asking for help is hard, it isn’t as hard as living my life without my dreams. I received an amazing academic scholarship, an incredibly generous grant from Gonzaga (Thank you Gonzaga Alumni!), and have taken the max amount of federal loans I am allowed as an independent student. However, because I don’t have credit, or a cosigner, I don’t have the option of taking out a private loan to cover the $2,825 in tuition that I am short for each semester!
I wouldn’t be asking for help if I didn’t believe in the person I’ll become in all my tomorrows at Gonzaga and beyond. I hope you will support, and join me as I continue on this beautiful journey! Whether it is helping me monetarily (every little bit counts), sharing this page, or spreading love around. I am incredibly thankful for your support, and hope that the things I do with my life act as a resounding thank you.
“There is no passion to be found in playing small—in settling for a lift that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson Mandela
I graduated with an International Baccalaureate Diploma in 2013, but heartbreakingly declined admissions to my dream school, Gonzaga University. My mother has lived in an out of state care home due to her Multiple Sclerosis for 6 years, and my father is unable to lend support. Due to this lack of financial support I was, and once again find myself unable to afford tuition. I spent my gap year working, a lot. I began to tutor for the AVID program during the 2013-2014 school year. I added on two retail jobs, because I was now supporting myself completely, while also trying to save for school. The gap year I found myself so unexpectedly faced with proved to be incredibly purposeful, and full of tremendous growth of my whole being. Due to the unhealthy environment of my home life, I found myself without a house, but found a home within the many open embraces of those who rallied around me. This support helped me to understand the true importance of dedicating my life to service, the power of love, and the strength that comes with asking for help. When I had nothing else, I learned to listen to my heart, as it assured me that helping people was the only true way to live life. I am coming out of this year with a huge desire to learn, but more importantly as a person who will let nothing stand in the way of my dream to leave a lasting, positive, powerful impact in this world.
I stand here today less than a month away from starting my journey at Gonzaga! (A statement that still takes my breath away every time I say it!) I am so in love, and in awe of the place I get to call home for the next four years. The opportunities that await me ignite my soul. I will spend the 5 days before orientation in a program called Reality Camp. Living simply with 40 other new students, and volunteering at organizations around our new community! I’m living in a living-learning community dorm on the theme floor Encountering Cultures! I get to apply in October for the Comprehensive Leadership Program, a program that I have dreamed of being a part of since first hearing about Gonzaga! I get to decide how I want to spend my time the next four years, I get to decide that I’m going to say “yes” a lot, and not let fear hold me back from amazing opportunities. Gonzaga is all about developing the whole person-mind, body, and spirit, and “Cura Personalis”-care of the whole person. I am so positive that it is the best place for me! It is going to challenge me, and change me, and support and love the heck out of me along the way. I plan to major in Sociology with a minor in Social Justice. I’m also thinking of double majoring in Communication Studies, although I’m never going to stop dancing around when talking about the things I’m passionate about! Upon graduating, I dream of joining the Peace Corps. (Gonzaga ranks number one for small school alumni participation in the Peace Corps. Go Zags!) The Peace Corps is my ultimate dream, and I am incredibly excited to live on a campus that develops the kind of people who become volunteers.
However, I need help, and while asking for help is hard, it isn’t as hard as living my life without my dreams. I received an amazing academic scholarship, an incredibly generous grant from Gonzaga (Thank you Gonzaga Alumni!), and have taken the max amount of federal loans I am allowed as an independent student. However, because I don’t have credit, or a cosigner, I don’t have the option of taking out a private loan to cover the $2,825 in tuition that I am short for each semester!
I wouldn’t be asking for help if I didn’t believe in the person I’ll become in all my tomorrows at Gonzaga and beyond. I hope you will support, and join me as I continue on this beautiful journey! Whether it is helping me monetarily (every little bit counts), sharing this page, or spreading love around. I am incredibly thankful for your support, and hope that the things I do with my life act as a resounding thank you.
“There is no passion to be found in playing small—in settling for a lift that is less than the one you are capable of living.” –Nelson Mandela
Organizer
Taylor Ridenour
Organizer
Modesto, CA
