Justin's College Tuition Balance
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Hi, my name is Tessy and I am a single working mother of 3 beautiful children. My eldest child is Justin, born when I was in my teens.
In June of 2016, Justin graduated with high honors from the Academy of Enrichment and Advancement (AEA) in Union City, NJ. This is an annex to the main High School, housing the Top Performing students. He ranked in the top 10% of a graduating class of over 900 students, and as you can see from the photo, wore several honors cords tassels and pins, including National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Italian Honor Society and others.
In March of 2016, while playing in a basketball game in the school gym, Justin was struck by another players' elbow in the occipital region of his skull. He suffered a severe concussion and remained out of school on home instruction until a week before graduation in June. He was home all day in mostly darkened rooms due to the migraines and blurriness caused by the concussion. He had to take his AP Physics exam in a secluded darkened classroom with only himself and the proctor, and leave the school building immediately thereafter. Justin missed awards ceremonies- which I attended on his behalf. Justin missed social outings and events- including the Senior class trip to Florida. Justin was unable to go to his Senior Prom. By the powers that be, Justin made it to and through his High School Graduation ceremony and was able to walk with the other seniors.
Not surprisingly (given his history), Justin's father (a Licensed Practical Nurse in Georgia) did not contact Justin at all following the concussion or during recovery although he was promptly notified of the situation. Not once, did Justin's father reach out.
On Justin’s graduation day, I texted his father a picture of him in cap & gown just before the ceremony. He never acknowledged it or congratulated his oldest child and only son.
Early this summer, in line with the Post-Concussive Syndrome, Justin was diagnosed with severe depression. This is not uncommon in concussion cases- more so given the amount of time spent alone during my workday for several months. He's slowly coming around and smiles and his witty personality are making more frequent appearances.
He has been accepted to several colleges in the nation, but the best affordable option is NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology). He will be studying in their Engineering program. Justin is enrolled to begin in the Fall semester. He moves into the dorm next week, and is very excited about it!
Although Justin received scholarships and financial aid, one was defunct and there is still a small balance remaining ($2,600). This morning (a day after Justin's 18th birthday) he contacted his father and asked him if he would split the lowest payment plan option offered through the college with me, 50/50. There is a payment plan fee of $100. If payments are not made on the due dates -9/15/16, 10/1/2016, 11/1/2016- then Justin can be thrown out of school.
Immediately, his father began claiming that he could not make those payments - he's taking his family on vacation in early October. Justin reminded him that he has a two-family income totaling over 100k annually (he's married) with only one child at home, and his rent is less than $1,000 per month. Justin does not ask him for much at all, especially since they hardly ever speak. He told him that minor help through is college education is the only thing he would ever ask him for. Still, his father said no.
Honestly, I have no way of fully covering this myself. Throughout my time as a parent, I have never applied for or received public assistance. I have worked hard to ensure that my children had everything that they need and a good and safe life. Any assistance I can generate would be greatly appreciated and welcome. Every single penny donated will go towards Justin's college education. Please share this. Please help Justin pursue the higher education which he has worked so hard towards. I thank you for reading this and in advance for your help.
In June of 2016, Justin graduated with high honors from the Academy of Enrichment and Advancement (AEA) in Union City, NJ. This is an annex to the main High School, housing the Top Performing students. He ranked in the top 10% of a graduating class of over 900 students, and as you can see from the photo, wore several honors cords tassels and pins, including National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, Italian Honor Society and others.
In March of 2016, while playing in a basketball game in the school gym, Justin was struck by another players' elbow in the occipital region of his skull. He suffered a severe concussion and remained out of school on home instruction until a week before graduation in June. He was home all day in mostly darkened rooms due to the migraines and blurriness caused by the concussion. He had to take his AP Physics exam in a secluded darkened classroom with only himself and the proctor, and leave the school building immediately thereafter. Justin missed awards ceremonies- which I attended on his behalf. Justin missed social outings and events- including the Senior class trip to Florida. Justin was unable to go to his Senior Prom. By the powers that be, Justin made it to and through his High School Graduation ceremony and was able to walk with the other seniors.
Not surprisingly (given his history), Justin's father (a Licensed Practical Nurse in Georgia) did not contact Justin at all following the concussion or during recovery although he was promptly notified of the situation. Not once, did Justin's father reach out.
On Justin’s graduation day, I texted his father a picture of him in cap & gown just before the ceremony. He never acknowledged it or congratulated his oldest child and only son.
Early this summer, in line with the Post-Concussive Syndrome, Justin was diagnosed with severe depression. This is not uncommon in concussion cases- more so given the amount of time spent alone during my workday for several months. He's slowly coming around and smiles and his witty personality are making more frequent appearances.
He has been accepted to several colleges in the nation, but the best affordable option is NJIT (New Jersey Institute of Technology). He will be studying in their Engineering program. Justin is enrolled to begin in the Fall semester. He moves into the dorm next week, and is very excited about it!
Although Justin received scholarships and financial aid, one was defunct and there is still a small balance remaining ($2,600). This morning (a day after Justin's 18th birthday) he contacted his father and asked him if he would split the lowest payment plan option offered through the college with me, 50/50. There is a payment plan fee of $100. If payments are not made on the due dates -9/15/16, 10/1/2016, 11/1/2016- then Justin can be thrown out of school.
Immediately, his father began claiming that he could not make those payments - he's taking his family on vacation in early October. Justin reminded him that he has a two-family income totaling over 100k annually (he's married) with only one child at home, and his rent is less than $1,000 per month. Justin does not ask him for much at all, especially since they hardly ever speak. He told him that minor help through is college education is the only thing he would ever ask him for. Still, his father said no.
Honestly, I have no way of fully covering this myself. Throughout my time as a parent, I have never applied for or received public assistance. I have worked hard to ensure that my children had everything that they need and a good and safe life. Any assistance I can generate would be greatly appreciated and welcome. Every single penny donated will go towards Justin's college education. Please share this. Please help Justin pursue the higher education which he has worked so hard towards. I thank you for reading this and in advance for your help.
Organizer
Tessy IsRoyalty Rodas
Organizer
Union City, NJ
