Help Mailli Pay Her Tuition
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My name is Mailli McCormack. I am a 19-year-old sophomore studying Politics at Ithaca College in Upstate, NY. Here's my story:
Ithaca College expects me to pay a $23k outstanding balance, otherwise they refuse to lift the holds on my ability to register for classes. At this point in my life I cannot afford to pay this balance out of pocket, nor can anyone in my family.
I come from a low income background and unstable home life. When my mom was going through psychosis, I was applying for schools, financial aid, and figuring out my future. Additionally, my father, working everyday at the age of 73, had very little understanding of college processes. I had little to no guidance at a time when I needed guidance the most. Moving forward, my balance would only accumulate each semester.
With COVID in mind, my financial situation only worsened. Because of the pandemic, I have lost 2 jobs, I have been home caring for my working elderly father, and I have struggled academically due to my learning disability.
When I reached out to financial aid services in the fall to resolve my financial issue, I was told to consider taking a leave of absence and figure out how to pay off my balance in that time. This was not a likely solution for me as I would not be able to work. I decided to take the fall semester of 2020 off because of this, as well as the challenge remote learning presents to someone with a learning disability and mental illness.
I don't believe that my income should make me any more or less deserving of an education. For many of us, college education is an opportunity out of the poverty cycle. It is the one chance many students know can change their circumstances.
Any contribution would mean the world. Completing my college education is the most important goal in my life right now, and with your help I could possibly achieve it.
Ithaca College expects me to pay a $23k outstanding balance, otherwise they refuse to lift the holds on my ability to register for classes. At this point in my life I cannot afford to pay this balance out of pocket, nor can anyone in my family.
I come from a low income background and unstable home life. When my mom was going through psychosis, I was applying for schools, financial aid, and figuring out my future. Additionally, my father, working everyday at the age of 73, had very little understanding of college processes. I had little to no guidance at a time when I needed guidance the most. Moving forward, my balance would only accumulate each semester.
With COVID in mind, my financial situation only worsened. Because of the pandemic, I have lost 2 jobs, I have been home caring for my working elderly father, and I have struggled academically due to my learning disability.
When I reached out to financial aid services in the fall to resolve my financial issue, I was told to consider taking a leave of absence and figure out how to pay off my balance in that time. This was not a likely solution for me as I would not be able to work. I decided to take the fall semester of 2020 off because of this, as well as the challenge remote learning presents to someone with a learning disability and mental illness.
I don't believe that my income should make me any more or less deserving of an education. For many of us, college education is an opportunity out of the poverty cycle. It is the one chance many students know can change their circumstances.
Any contribution would mean the world. Completing my college education is the most important goal in my life right now, and with your help I could possibly achieve it.
Organizer
Mailli McCormack
Organizer
Rochester, NY
