Help Fund My College Dream
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“For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” – Nelson Mandela
An open letter to all who support a common sense plan I have for my life:
I am Tasha Finley and I am 43 years old. I was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised here in Phoenix, Arizona. My story begins with a crime I committed as a 17-year-old juvenile 25 years ago for which I am deeply ashamed and remorseful. One year ago, I was released on parole and have remained a law-abiding citizen throughout my transition back to our society.
Although I have been away from our society for over 25 years, I wish to share with you some of the core values in which I believe and hold true to me. These are some of the same core values I held growing up incarcerated. My journey of incarceration came with heavy storms and, in those hours and moments that were the darkest, I sought God. I found energy from the power of his love. I also prayed endlessly for the strength I needed to carry on. Every day when I awoke, I told myself that I could succeed. I studied daily until my determination became stronger than my fear.
Finally, through dedication and persistence, my goals and dreams were no longer a blurred vision. They became my reality! I had inspired myself to do what I had longed for since a child. I furthered my education and received two AA degrees. However, due to the sentence that I was serving, the amount of education I was able to obtain was limited.
Now, here I stand after 25 years as a responsible and accountable adult with my freedom. I have found a meaningful purpose for my life, with education as the model for an even higher level of accomplishment. My determination and commitment to life and myself demands that I be a more responsible adult in the eyes of the community and our society. As I reflect upon ways in which I can better serve humanity and continue to be a positive example, the first thing that comes to mind is my willingness and opportunity to continue my education at Arizona State University. As a formerly system-involved woman, it is my personal belief that the intellectual reinvestments in family, community, and myself are a part of my opportunity to have a second chance.
I have been accepted as a new ASU student in the Graphic Design program offered by the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. I chose to pursue Graphic Design for advanced study and my future career not only because one of my AA degrees provided a background in this area, but, also, for the past 18 years of my incarceration I worked at the Arizona Correctional Industrial print shop as a typesetter and graphic designer.
The Graphic Design program is an intensive, challenging major. All students, including those with related AA degrees, are required to complete four years of studio-based work. I was extremely happy and honored to be accepted into the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and I am determined to succeed in this highly competitive major. However, major financial difficulties confront me as I begin this journey.
I feel blessed that the grants I have been awarded will help cover tuition and fees, but I need your support and financial assistance in order to enroll and succeed. Although my family is very proud and supportive of me, they are not able to contribute financially to my university or living expenses. I plan to work full time every summer, but with the mandatory time commitment of my program during the academic years, it will not be possible to work more than part-time. Your donation will help me meet school and living expenses such as tuition and fees; books and studio supplies; housing and meals; and transportation. $60,000 will make it possible for me to work toward my dream during the next four years.
My target is July 10th in order to begin the fall 2019 semester. If you are able to donate, any amount would be greatly appreciated. Also, please spread the word to friends or family who you think would be willing to support my college education. That would be awesome. I will be forever grateful and continue to live a life that pays the world back for what it has given me. Thank you all!
Please, please help me reach my dream for the future!
Sincerely,
Tasha Finley
An open letter to all who support a common sense plan I have for my life:
I am Tasha Finley and I am 43 years old. I was born in Gary, Indiana, but was raised here in Phoenix, Arizona. My story begins with a crime I committed as a 17-year-old juvenile 25 years ago for which I am deeply ashamed and remorseful. One year ago, I was released on parole and have remained a law-abiding citizen throughout my transition back to our society.
Although I have been away from our society for over 25 years, I wish to share with you some of the core values in which I believe and hold true to me. These are some of the same core values I held growing up incarcerated. My journey of incarceration came with heavy storms and, in those hours and moments that were the darkest, I sought God. I found energy from the power of his love. I also prayed endlessly for the strength I needed to carry on. Every day when I awoke, I told myself that I could succeed. I studied daily until my determination became stronger than my fear.
Finally, through dedication and persistence, my goals and dreams were no longer a blurred vision. They became my reality! I had inspired myself to do what I had longed for since a child. I furthered my education and received two AA degrees. However, due to the sentence that I was serving, the amount of education I was able to obtain was limited.
Now, here I stand after 25 years as a responsible and accountable adult with my freedom. I have found a meaningful purpose for my life, with education as the model for an even higher level of accomplishment. My determination and commitment to life and myself demands that I be a more responsible adult in the eyes of the community and our society. As I reflect upon ways in which I can better serve humanity and continue to be a positive example, the first thing that comes to mind is my willingness and opportunity to continue my education at Arizona State University. As a formerly system-involved woman, it is my personal belief that the intellectual reinvestments in family, community, and myself are a part of my opportunity to have a second chance.
I have been accepted as a new ASU student in the Graphic Design program offered by the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts. I chose to pursue Graphic Design for advanced study and my future career not only because one of my AA degrees provided a background in this area, but, also, for the past 18 years of my incarceration I worked at the Arizona Correctional Industrial print shop as a typesetter and graphic designer.
The Graphic Design program is an intensive, challenging major. All students, including those with related AA degrees, are required to complete four years of studio-based work. I was extremely happy and honored to be accepted into the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, and I am determined to succeed in this highly competitive major. However, major financial difficulties confront me as I begin this journey.
I feel blessed that the grants I have been awarded will help cover tuition and fees, but I need your support and financial assistance in order to enroll and succeed. Although my family is very proud and supportive of me, they are not able to contribute financially to my university or living expenses. I plan to work full time every summer, but with the mandatory time commitment of my program during the academic years, it will not be possible to work more than part-time. Your donation will help me meet school and living expenses such as tuition and fees; books and studio supplies; housing and meals; and transportation. $60,000 will make it possible for me to work toward my dream during the next four years.
My target is July 10th in order to begin the fall 2019 semester. If you are able to donate, any amount would be greatly appreciated. Also, please spread the word to friends or family who you think would be willing to support my college education. That would be awesome. I will be forever grateful and continue to live a life that pays the world back for what it has given me. Thank you all!
Please, please help me reach my dream for the future!
Sincerely,
Tasha Finley
Organizer
Tasha Finley
Organizer
Phoenix, AZ