Thanks for taking a look. I’m posting this merely because of the detriment of time. I am in a situation that has a short term time crunch. First, my name is Shawn Portwood. I’m a recent graduate from MSU Denver. My degree is in human nutrition with a minor in biology. My long term goal is to pursue a PhD in nutritional biology to allow me the opportunity to research the relationship between food eaten, the bacteria living in our intestines and the down stream impact from the interaction of those two things as it relates to exacerbating Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). As a person who suffers from chronic manic depression, researching this will allow me a platform as a future expert on the topic to work to break the stigma around depression. As a Marine Corps veteran, I’ve seen depression bring down some of the strongest women and men I’ve ever met. And the toll depression takes on me personally is sometimes crippling. In the interim, I’m in the process of applying to several graduate schools to obtain my Masters degree prior to moving on to a PhD program. Here is where my plea for help comes in. With the ever rising costs of living in Denver, it’s becoming harder and harder to make ends meet. I’m currently in the process of getting a 3rd part time job. I already have 2 jobs. The reason for the part time jobs is I’m also taking biochemistry as an independent student as it is a prerequisite class required for the science heavy grad schools I’m pursuing. So to navigate around that class and make the money to cover my living expenses, my application fees, testing (GRE) fees, and most importantly my tuition for the remaining balance of my undergrad costs I’m currently slated to work approximately 60-65 hours a week plus class time and study time, putting me either working 1 or 2 of my 3 jobs and class 7 days a week for the next several months. I’m not opposed to hard work. The majority of my undergrad semesters I worked at least 2 jobs along with taking 15-18 credit hours. So I’m up for the challenge of working hard to reach my goals. Here is the actual reason for my request. I have 6 weeks to cover my tuition along with rent, standard monthly bills (I do not have any active monthly subscriptions to any tv or entertainment services, my bills are utilities and cell phone). The 6 week window is based on the application close date to the school I have the highest chance of being accepted to so while I will continue grinding to try and pursue this goal of mine, I’m simply asking for a little assistance to ensure I can meet the application window. I sincerely appreciate you giving consideration to help out. Kindest regards Shawn Portwood