Graduating College

Hi all! My name is Domeneque Claude and I'm a full-time senior at Marymount Manhattan College, majoring in Theatre Performance with a minor in Musical Theatre. On October 27th, I found out that I no longer qualify for a Parent PLUS loan, a loan where the parents of dependent undergraduate students borrow to help their children pay for college. This loan is why I have been able to go to school for the past 3 years. The reason for this is because on November 7th I turned 24 years old which means that I am now considered a financially independent student by the Department of Education, even though my mother was accepted for another Plus loan. I have received the maximum for every federal grant and loan. I even have a Dean's scholarship from school for my academic achievements. The only information the financial aid office provided me was to apply for private alternative loans. Since receiving the news, I have been denied by over 10 private loans that I have applied for with my mother as my only co-signer.  I also work very hard to keep up my grades in school. I currently take 12 classes, as an MT and I work 6 days a week for over 50 hours taking care of children. I pay my own rent, medical bills, utilities and federal student loans. I feel embarrassed for asking for help, but I realize that as the semester is coming to an end, I don't have many options or time. I am so close to graduation that I can see the finish line.  May 18th is graduation and it would mean the world to walk. I am given a deadline of May 11th to get the remainder of the money in.


I am the first generation American of my family and the youngest of four children, all raised by a single hardworking mother.   College is extremely important to me because I am also the first of my family who will receive a bachelor's degree. Marymount Manhattan College is where I would love to obtain my degree. I am surrounded by a community of inspiring peers who are so incredibly talented and supportive. Every single one of my professors, that range from Acting, Techniques, Voice and Speech to Scene into Song, have all taught me how to become an artist that is strong, versatile and how to give to an audience a performance that is truthful. I have been so fortunate to have a dance teacher who has pushed me in more ways than one and I feel so blessed to learn from her daily. And my voice teachers has helped me expand in ways that I did not believe were possible. These teachers are influential leaders to me and being accepted into this program has been the best thing to happen to me. I know that training doesn't end after college but college is a form of training that is a necessity to have. And I am constantly thankful to be a part of the Marymount Theatre Department.

I am hopeful in asking for the remainder of my tuition

Spring 2017: $5,000

I will be grateful for any advice, share or donation no matter how much, even if it pays a single semester or half of one.  I appreciate you taking the time to read this. I can't thank you enough. Please know that I will continue to work hard for my degree, for my dreams and for the arts in any way I can.