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Remainder of college fees

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Hi, I'm Kayla Zarate, a first year student at SWIC. But with the way things are going, that will change. Thanks to an unfortunate FAFSA situation and living in a one income household.
The way my school is doing financial aid this year is based off of 2015 taxes. So that's exactly what my parents did, we filed with 2015. 2015 was the last year my mom was able to work. She no longer can, so she's waiting on disability approval. So now the income in my house comes from my stepdad, not both of them. SWIC wouldn't take the taxes, we discovered (after doing a ridiculous amount of paperwork and waiting for the office workers to assist us) so FAFSA wouldn't cover my school like they were going to originally. While I'm able to finish this semester, I'm now almost 2 grand in debt. I've tried to get a private loan, but because my mom's loans are being written off, due to her disability, I can't apply for them until the 3 year period is over. I can't go back next semester if my tution isn't paid off. Signup for classes has already started. I've been looking for jobs, but nothing has happened other than a couple of interviews and a LOT of rejection emails. To pursue my dream as a substance abuse counselor and forensic psychologist, I need to continue my schooling. Next year's FAFSA will be fine, since our income situation has changed and they'll be looking for 2016 taxes. But if I don't get this paid off, I can't go back at all. I'm more than likely going to have to take a semester off, which breaks my heart because I'm really enjoying my time as a student at SWIC. The money I'm asking for covers this semester's books, tuition, and the classes I'm taking. If there were any other way to fix this, I would have done it by now.
Any amount is appreciated, and if you can't donate, please spread the word. I want to continue my college career so I can one day make a difference in the mental illness and substance abuse community.
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Donations 

  • Carol Klingler
    • $265 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer

Kayla Zarate
Organizer
Granite City, IL

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