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Jessica's Howard University edu

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****UPDATE: I had to take my personal video message to you guys down due to technical issues. But no worries a new one will be up soon. In the mean time PLEASE READ MY BIO and check out some of my work via the videos provided below. Thanks.****


My name is Jessica Galloway, and the purpose of this Go Fund Me account is to fund my education at Howard University. In a time when so many college graduates are so overwhelmed and flooded with student loans, I’m trying to set myself on a path where I can focus on my studies without the dark cloud of student loan debt looming.

My story:

Since a young age my grandmother always instilled in me the importance of traditional and self-education. Throughout my schooling I always aimed to succeed. School always came easy to me, so I would look for opportunities to challenge myself. We’ve all heard the cliché that “an education can never be taken away from you,” this is gospel in my eyes. My educational journey has taken many twists and turns since high school, but my philosophy is to never give up.

In high school I was a member of Advance Placement and Honors classes. I was also a member of the Alpha Scholars, which was an out of school educational group sponsored by the University of Maryland. I always sought to be challenged, which is why upon graduating from high school I was crushed by the reality I would not be able to further my education right away even though I had offers from Georgetown University, Howard University, American University, University of Maryland, University of California, amongst 13 other schools, due to family issues.

Do to a series of unfortunate life changing events, I had my daughter a month before my 17th birthday. I could have given up and fell victim to the “teen parent” stigma, but I refused. I remained on course, did hair to provide for my daughter and still graduated high school on time, within the top 10% of my class. I always had a vision for how I saw my life, and higher education was always in it. I busied myself with self-education, professional accomplishments and working full time since the age of 17.

Eight years later when the opportunity to go back to school presented itself, I ran with it at full speed. I never thought I was too old, or discouraged, instead I was eager. My thrust for knowledge and prosperity is so imperative that I was not going to let this opportunity escape me. I work full time, am the sole provider of my daughter (without state and federal assistance), and I care for my elderly grandmother (a Howard Alum), all while still excelling in my schooling.

My educational philosophy of never giving up is a philosophy that transcends to many avenues in my life. We are all dealt a hand of cards, some good and some bad. However, it is not the cards that dictate your future, its how you play them, and I play for keeps. During my tenure at Prince George’s Community College I have constantly excelled. I was inducted into The National Society of Leadership and Success, as well as Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. I also maintained a high GPA, ranked on the Deans List several times, and engaged in many activities in the Mass Communication department.

I have never given up on myself, or chose to cast doubt over my capabilities, this mentality and resilience is why I will be transferring to Howard University in the Fall of 2015. Never give up, and never stop learning.

My accomplishments thus far in school:

-National Honor Society
-Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society
-National Society of Leadership and Success
-3.76 GPA
-5 honors courses
-Obtained my Associates degree from Prince George’s Community College with Honors
-Deans List
 
The goal:

The tuition at Howard University is roughly $33,000 a year for those living off campus, which will be a total of $66,000 for my last two years. Unfortunately until this point I have not qualified for and financial aid and so far have paid over $12,000 in tuition for my first two years of schooling strictly out of pocket. Howard offers a one time $10,000 tuition savings for transfer students which will make my total anticipated tuition for both remaining years a total of $56,000. That is the only financial support offered to incoming transfer students at Howard, all other scholarships are for incoming freshman.

Luckily, I was granted a $3,000 for my junior year in the form of a Pell Grant for this upcoming accademic year. I'm am greatly appreciative, but that still leaves $53,000 to cover. (I'm anticipating another $3,000 Pell Grant next school year, thats why the goal amount is $50,000 *fingers crossed*). Unfortunatiely, I was not even offered a loan to cover the balance. In order to apply for any Honors help I have to wait until I have completed my first semester at Howard. My goal is to raise at least half of the $50,000. But honestly, any amount I raise will be appreciated. I am also working diligently on obtaining scholarships and whatever other assistances that are possible.

Future plans:

As a Communications major, I understand the influence media has on what society thinks, buys, feels, knows and understands. I want to try to shift these views. Through SerenityIsKey Productions I seek to create documentaries and spotlight individuals, organizations, breakthroughs and advances that are making a difference. I want to create thought provoking works that educate, inform, and force people to question. My inspirations are directors such as Michael Moore. Its time to step away from empty reality show and talent show broadcasting and create programming that has substance. Please help me create works that might inspire someone to change the world.

Check out some of my work so far: 

We Got Next:
     

Human Trafficking PSA:


All Good:


Versus:


More can be found at https://www.youtube.com/user/Serenityiskey/videos





Organizer

Jessica Galloway
Organizer
East Riverdale, MD

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