Thinking about college can be scary, stressful, and even disappointing. There are so many choices to be made and so much paperwork to get done; it gets crazy.
As a senior in high school, and as an undocumented student, I mainly worried about paying for college. Whether it was American University or Trinity W. University the school that I would attend, I didn’t have the money to pay for it. However, I didn’t let that stop me.
I started my application process for American and I wanted everything to be perfect. My college essay, my supplement, and my extracurriculars. Once I was sure that I had done the best that I could in my writings and my entire application was complete, I personally went to drop it off.
Meanwhile, as I waited to hear back, I began questioning myself, “Is it going to be possible?”, “Am I going to make it?”, “What if I don’t get in?”, “How am I going to pay for it?”
I was scared that I would be rejected by the school, but most importantly that my dreams would shatter.
After months of waiting, I got a packet in the mail saying that I had been accepted into AU. I didn’t feel happy. I knew that I didn’t have any money to pay for it. But, I didn’t lose hope. I did everything I could to attend the school. I spoke to financial aid representatives; I looked for scholarships; I tried to look for help for international students, but none of it worked. I felt pretty disappointed, but at the same time, I felt glad to know that at least; I was good enough to get admitted into the school.
Now, I attend Trinity Washington University. I am having such a great time, but more significantly, I am able to cover my tuition through scholarships and Trinity’s financial aid.
The fear of not being able to pay for school went away once I started applying to scholarships. I felt more confident and worried less about the money that I did not have.
From time to time, I still worry about paying for school. But I let my drive of becoming a college graduate, and the best I can be in my field, to help me overcome my fear!
In other words, the fear of failure pushes me to do better. After all, knowing that I try my hardest makes me more accomplished than not trying at all. If it works for me, I am sure it could work for you. Try it.
Sincerely,
Brenda