I am in a bind. I’m 22 and if I was born 6 months earlier I would be just fine. The guideline for being declared an independent on the FAFSA is that you must be born before Jan. 1, 1986. Lucky for me… I was born 6 months later. This one thing screws up all hopes of getting into Berea College. My parents have to list their income and because I am an AmeriCorps member (and have been for 2 years now) my financial aid is going to look like I make no income and, essentially, look like I’ve been living off of my parents for the last year. Which is… WRONG. The reasons Berea should love me: I am active in my community, I worked 2 years as an AmeriCorps member – 1 with the Homeless & Housing Coalition of Kentucky and 1 with the Franklin County Women’s Shelter. I have also had a legislative internship with Community Action Kentucky. I have participated in the Kentucky Coalition for Responsible Lending and marched against mountain top removal. I grew up in Johnson County and want desperately to give back to the community that raised me, oh so well. I am currently heading a service project to renovate a local safe house.
I have so much to offer, so much I want to offer.
It depresses me to think that one little glitch in my financial aid… and my chances are slim to zilch to be accepted to Berea College.
