Hello everyone my name is Eriq Bridgett, I am an aspiring professional dancer from Washington DC . I have been dancing and creating since the age of 4. This is all I have ever known. Over the course of the year, I have been trying to manage the passing of my mother all the while dealing with a lot of family issues. After my mother passed my step father took my younger siblings and moved into his parents house. I however not being his child was expected to find housing for myself. I ended up living with my grandparents and while residing there gone through my aunt physically attacking me and her daughter to bleach, cut and destroy my clothes. I have now little to no clothing left .Meanwhile, my aunts attempt to  place me in debt placing my name on a lease for her to get a home . After going through that with my side of the family I eventually moved with cousins on my step father’s side. Living there being away from my siblings and simply living in an environment I wasn't accustomed to it was hard trying to get regular training. The summer was coming to an end and I was expected to go back The University of the arts in the fall on my own merits. I was petrified because I simply didn’t know how I was to get back without money and no help from my family whatsoever  The school offered no money to help assist with my situation. I applied for various of loans and scholarships and was denied every time because of my independent status. I am now unable to attend college anymore for simply not being able to afford it . I am beyond hurt at the moment all I ever wanted to do was dance and receive my diploma because that’s what my mother and I worked so hard for. My family was very scarce on showing support for my lifestyle, agendas in life and overall me . I have no one to turn to for a lot of mental and emotional support. But I have dreams and can not put them on hold. I have plans in Atlanta to continue innovating, creating and dancing  with a local choreographer there.  I have to keep pushing for my mother and for myself. This career is something I have desired to be apart of since I could ever remember. With these funds I plan to take various of workshops, classes and auditions. If I can not continue my studies in school I feel that shouldn’t stop me from dancing and doing what I love. NO OFFER IS TOO SMALL, ANYTHING HELPS.