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Hello everyone, my name is Zakiyyah Willis. I am currently a junior pursuing a degree in Health Science at California State University Channel Islands. As many of you may know, I am one of very few in my family to attend college. From a young age, I possessed the mindset that going to college was something I was going to accomplish no matter the obstacles that arise along the way. After successfully graduating high school in 2016, I went on to pursue my college education and here I am - in my third year of college. I am set to graduate with my bachelor's degree in May 2020.
Along with unwavering dedication to my studies, my mom has sacrificed significantly to allow this dream to become a reality. My mom is a single parent and not only does she solely provide for me, but for my two younger siblings as well. Due to transitions in her health, she had to change her career path and take on a less demanding job with lower pay. This change has made it nearly impossible for my mom to contribute to my college expenses.
Unfortunately, my financial aid package has altered and I am now left with a remaining balance of $2,500 for my housing fees (DUE THIS JANUARY). Given that I'm from Sacramento, which is about 6 hours away from my university, commuting isn't an option. If I am unable to pay these remaining fees, I will be out of housing and will have to discontinue my studies at CSUCI. My education means everything to me and I can't imagine not being able to continue my journey at CI. I strive to not only set a great example for my siblings, but to show my mom that all that she's sacrificed for my education hasn't gone unnoticed.
I have already taken out federal loans (for the maximum amount) and my mom has been denied approval for a parent-plus loan. I've also applied for scholarships, but sadly I haven't had much luck. My education has always been and continues to be my top priority and an honor I never take for granted. It would be devastating to have worked extremely hard to get up to this point just for it all to be taken away because I don't have the finances. Anything helps and will be extremely appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
Along with unwavering dedication to my studies, my mom has sacrificed significantly to allow this dream to become a reality. My mom is a single parent and not only does she solely provide for me, but for my two younger siblings as well. Due to transitions in her health, she had to change her career path and take on a less demanding job with lower pay. This change has made it nearly impossible for my mom to contribute to my college expenses.
Unfortunately, my financial aid package has altered and I am now left with a remaining balance of $2,500 for my housing fees (DUE THIS JANUARY). Given that I'm from Sacramento, which is about 6 hours away from my university, commuting isn't an option. If I am unable to pay these remaining fees, I will be out of housing and will have to discontinue my studies at CSUCI. My education means everything to me and I can't imagine not being able to continue my journey at CI. I strive to not only set a great example for my siblings, but to show my mom that all that she's sacrificed for my education hasn't gone unnoticed.
I have already taken out federal loans (for the maximum amount) and my mom has been denied approval for a parent-plus loan. I've also applied for scholarships, but sadly I haven't had much luck. My education has always been and continues to be my top priority and an honor I never take for granted. It would be devastating to have worked extremely hard to get up to this point just for it all to be taken away because I don't have the finances. Anything helps and will be extremely appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to read my story.