Please Help Aankha Neal Raise Money to go Back to Berklee College of Music
Music has always been the focus of my life. Everyone in my family, for 3 generations, plays a musical instrument, writes music and/or is involved with music in some way. Growing up around professional musicians didn't make wanting to be a singer easy. It meant I had to work harder to stand out. If I wanted to make it in the music industry, I had to do more than just sing.
I started seriously studying the piano at the age of 9 and by 11, I wrote my first song. I continue to write music to this day. Music is my life! Yes, I know that is cliché, but it is my truth. I have attended music-based schools my entire life. I have never been interested in sports or special magnet programs. Just MUSIC!
Music helped lift me out of extreme depression a few years ago as it was the tool that I used to get me back on track. I never imagined that what started off as a hobby for me - trying to be my mother and her family, would turn into the fuel for my happiness. It is the reason why I have refused to let depression or any other mountain in my life be more than a molehill that I can and will climb over.
My father, Anthony Neal, was tragically murdered when I was a toddler. My mother, Azaziah, was left with three children to raise alone. My twin brother and sister were only 6 months old at the time of his death. My Mom has managed to provide for us exceptionally well through out our childhood, as if he were still here to help. I am very fortunate to have such a loving, hardworking mother, who has strategically positioned me to fulfill my dream to go to Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mass, which was not an easy task.
On August 31, 2011, the day before I was to fly to Boston for freshman semester, my mom suddenly lost consciousness while preparing to travel with me. She was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with a condition that required a 10 hour long emergency brain surgery. Long story made short, my mom is a fighter who miraculously survived the surgery and has made a full recovery in less than a year.
Unfortunately, my mom's insurance did not fully cover all of her medical expenses, leaving her with enormous hospital bills that have resulted in her not being approved to co-sign for my Student Loans. These are the same Student Loans that she was previously approved to co-sign for, prior to my freshman year. Without the Student Loan, I am unable to return to school.
I have a part time job and provide private music lessons for children to help pay for my education. I am determined and will work hard to obtain my Music Business degree. However, I REALLY NEED TO RETURN TO SCHOOL THIS FALL TO MAINTAIN MY SCHOLARSHIP. I was scheduled to leave on September 2nd when all of this information was revealed to me. I AM ASKING FOR YOUR HELP. I HAVE TRIED EVERYTHING. THIS IS MY LAST HOPE.
Some may ask, "What is so different about me? Why am I so special? Why do I deserve your help compared to any other person? I truly believe that I am destined to change the music industry with my musical input. Berklee College of Music provides a global platform for which to accomplish my dream! I was one of 5 students to be selected for scholarships to Berklee from California. My brain, heart, body and soul IS MUSIC! I have been told I make people feel with my lyrics in a way that no one else has. I was born to be a singer, songwriter and composer. I am a Musician. Please help me.
