Help Keshia Finish Medical School

IMMEDIATE GOAL:

I am 6 months away from graduating from Medical School. However, I have exhausted all of my financial aid and do not qualify for a Graduate Plus Loan or any other kind of loan.  I need a total of $35,000 to graduate from Medical School.  The first half of $17,500 is needed for the Winter quarter by January 8, 2017 and the other $17,500 by April 1st for the Spring 2017 quarter.

 MY STORY:

It was not only a beautiful Thursday morning (December 22, 2016), but three days before Christmas and the last day of my final fall quarter in medical school. I was in a space of gratitude and excitement after just finishing my finals and my last clinical rotations of the quarter.  When I found out that I had passed all of my exams it was truly beginning to feel like Christmas.  My heart was full of joy knowing that I had less than 180 days left before graduating as Dr. Keshia Tate with my medical degree.  That morning I happened to check my school’s email and received an unexpected message that immediately impacted my day, my mood, my daughters Christmas and possibly our future. The email was from the Financial Aid department at my school informing me that I had reached my aggregate amount of financial aid. In other words, if I could not pay for the balance of my education, I would not be able to complete the last 180 days or two quarters (6 months) of medical school.  In shock, dismay and complete frustration I immediately contacted financial aid to find out my options.  I was informed that I could apply for the Graduate Plus Loan in which I did immediately.  Unfortunately, I was denied due to a bankruptcy that is less than 7 years old.

 For the sake of my daughters, I tried to get in the Christmas “spirit” but I just could not.  Knowing how much effort and determination I have expended and how much I have endured to make it to this point it’s hard to face the possibility of not being able to graduate. It’s utterly unfathomable.  It is in moments like this that I wish my non-profit, I AM My Sister’s Keeper was up and running and I am more determined than ever to make sure it happens.  I AM My Sister’s Keeper shall be a MOVEMENT that empowers, educates and funds women and their educational needs.  If women can succeed in school, but lack the finances or resources I AM My Sister’s Keeper main goal is to step in to assist with finances and resources. Today, I AM the sister in need of the finances to complete my education.  TOMORROW (in the near future), I WILL be the sister PROVIDING the finances and resources.    

The journey of attending and remaining in medical school has been a feat in itself. Five years ago, I started this journey as a married woman with two beautiful children and now as I approach the finish line I unfortunately am a single mother.  There have been many challenges on this road to becoming a physician – the unexpected death of my brother, the separation and divorce of my marriage, my own near fatal car accident, my sister breast cancer diagnosis and the list goes on. Indeed, some of the events and challenges have nearly taken my breath away. Fortunately, besides the strength and courage that stems from my daughters; two things have kept me grounded and focused on what I truly believe I have been called to do. The first, I have an undeniable desire to make a difference in the lives of others and secondly, my faith in God.  Without these two foundations I would have given up years ago. It is FAITH and DETERMINATION that keeps me going!

 I am MORE determined than ever to become a great physician specializing in Pain Management and Oncology, the healer and the servant that I know in my heart that I AM called to BE!  I am now pleading for the financial support I need to cross the FINISH line!  Please help me!

 Note: If you want to make a payment directly to my school. Please contact me and I will provide you with the necessary information.

 With Gratitude & Deep Appreciation,

 Keshia Tate