College Journey

My name is Matthew Story and six months ago I began my journey to change my future by going to college. My area of passion is to become a movie/film director.  On March 7th I received my acceptance letter to Ringling College of Art and Design. Ringling ranks in the top 5 creative art schools in the WORLD. Ringling was so impressed with my academic and portfolio achievement they awarded me the Deans scholarship which is a total of $10,000.00 a year. I must maintain a 2.5 average in order to keep the scholarship. In addition to this, Ringling awarded me a $6,000.00 grant for financial need. Total Federal grants received is $9,920.00. State grants I received a total of $5,700.00, and lastly Federal Student Loans and Work Study will cover $7,500.00. My total award amount is $39,120.00. The total cost of tuition, room and board is $62,800.00 per year. The total amount owed is $23,680.00.

I also feel it is important that I contribute to my college tuition. In addition to my student loans, I am currently saving money from my full time job that I obtained in January. My family is kind enough to allow me to live with them rent free so that I can save as much as I can before I begin school in August. I am committed to working full time while in college to pay for my own supplies and continue to save money for the coming college tuition for next year.

A little background about me. I was told my whole life after being diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome that I would never amount to anything and that I would be better off buying a TV and living at home. I refused to accept this as my destiny, because I believed in myself. In October I reached out to my Aunt Kim and sought out direction from her. I followed every direction she gave me and this is where I find myself today... making what everyone told me was impossible... POSSIBLE!!!

I appreciate any amount donated because every dollar will help me to achieve my childhood dream.  I thank everyone for their time and support.