Help Anna Attend College

Hi everyone! My name is Anna Jacobs and I am 19 years old. I come from a hardworking working-class family in Columbia, South Carolina. Ever since I can remember I have wanted to become a teacher, specifically a Special Education teacher and an English as a Foreign/Second Language teacher abroad in Korea. As Special Education is offered as a major here in my state of South Carolina, my specific goal of teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language is not offered at any university in the state of South Carolina. Upon further research and recommendations, I was introduced to George Mason University located in Fairfax, Virginia. GMU offers Teaching English as a Foreign/Second Language as a major and minor, I was beyond ecstatic to have finally found an institution that offered resources not only that of my dream career, but of my passion. They even have a direct partner school in Korea as well as offering Korean Studies as a minor which would go directly with my objective. It is the perfect fit. Attending college my first year was quite the struggle to afford, being in-state. Knowing I will have to pay out-of-state tuition to attend George Mason University is an even greater challenge that I can’t achieve without support. I depend strongly on scholarships, grants, and student loans (allowing only a certain amount to be taken out with a co-signer) but that alone cannot cover the fees. Going out-of-state I will no longer qualify for South Carolina grants and aid. I am uncertain if I would be able to receive aid from the state of Virginia considering I am not a resident. My parents have 3 children and with all of their expenses, as much as they wish they could provide tuition fully for me, it is just not possible with our financial situation. I appreciate any help tremendously and am ever so grateful for any contribution. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart!