Thus I do not receive
any financial support from my family and little from the federal government to fund my college education.
Therefore my financial needs are very high. Throughout my life I have strived to achieve my goals solely on
hard work and determination. For example, the last five years that I have attended school I have struggled to
receive enough federal loans to pay my tuition and have been working at night while attending school in order
to barely scrap by. However, I feel like this makes me a stronger person and gives me greater passion for what I
am trying to achieve.
At this moment in time my situation is even more extreme than ever. Instead of working full time all
summer to save money, I have been going to summer school in order to complete required courses before I
depart for this program in the spring. The demands of summer school leave me no time for a part-time
employment. Consequently, in order for me embark on this incredible opportunity I am extremely reliant on
grants and scholarships to see this experience come to fruition.
These scholarships and grants will assist me in achieving my goals through supporting my trip expenses
in Costa Rica. In essence they will allow me to receive an excellent education in an amazing country as well as
apply this knowledge to help conserve our precious ecosystems that are in danger of ultimate destruction and
demise. Likewise, by supporting my education these funds will enable me to spread my newfound insight and
knowledge to further educate the people around me as I plan to teach in conservation programs such as the
Student Conservation Corps. I thank you so much for your consideration.