Hi, I’m Claire. I’m a senior at Boone Grove High School, and enrolled in the Ivy Tech Community College dual-credit CNA program. I will graduate high school with an abundance of transferable college credits, as well as my CNA Certification. I was recently accepted into Valparaiso University! While I have always been on the honor roll, this was a humbling turn of events. You see, Valparaiso University is my dream school. While it has been exciting to be accepted into their nursing program, it is a private university that comes with a large price tag. We received my financial aid summary from VU offering $34,000 in in-house scholarships. That leaves approximately $16,000+ worth of costs for the year. I did not qualify for aid through FAFSA. We live close and I will commute. I have had a job for 4 years at our local animal hospital. My wages will pay for my gas and school supplies.

There are five children in my family. I am number three, right in the middle. My parents have always made sure that we have the things that we need. However, with 5 mouths to feed, clothe, and care for there is not money left for college. My oldest sibling went to college on a full-ride athletic scholarship. My second oldest sibling attended college during a time we refer to as “Covid College”. At that time, my sister qualified for a grant from financial aid, and many, many Covid based credits, scholarships, and reduced tuition costs. They were nearly paying young people to enroll in college during this time. Now it’s my turn. My parents have been doing everything that they can to work through this process with me. My mom have committed to spending 1 day a week applying to outside scholarships. Yes, we have considered less costly options. But so far no other school has made me the substantial offer that Valparaiso university has.

I have worked very hard to maintain my honor roll status since I was in elementary school. School gives me a focus, and I am proud to accomplish what I have accomplished. For that reason, I’m going to do everything I can to raise the funds to attend my dream school.

My intended major is Bachelors of Science in Nursing (RN). My long-term goal is a Masters of Science in Nursing to obtain my Nurse Practitioners (NP) license. My interest in healthcare began at the animal hospital. While I love working in veterinary medicine, I think our country is in need of good quality healthcare providers. That is my goal.

I appreciate you taking the time to read my story as well as considering a donation to my future. Thank you!