Help Jay Graduate!

Hello! I hope that this message finds you well and in good health. My name is Jay Shara and I am a senior preparing to graduate this coming semester in December. However, unfortunately I am struggling to pay my tuition before entering the next academic semester and lately I have been extremely discouraged. I am a strong believer that anything is possible, but I've already exhausted my financial aid resources, and I still plan, to continue to work, however I'm not sure if I'll make enough in order to be back in school. There is no minimum amount that I am asking for you to contribute because any amount that you're willing and able to contribute would be greatly appreciated. However, I can assure you that I'm serious and getting my education means so much to me. Making it this far and achieving all that I have throughout my college career, I cannot accept the idea of it all coming to an end because I have insufficient funds. Pursuing to become an interpreter, I have always dreamed of the moment I would walk across the stage and receive my degree in Language Studies. However, without aid, I will have no choice but to stay home. The only person assisting me financially is my mother, and she already has trouble doing that for me and my brother, who just graduated from my same university, Indiana State. With her income she barely can afford monthly payments including everyday bills and miscellaneous expenses. Therefore, I am unable to take out loans or borrow any additional funds. For me, it is not just about receiving money; As I prepare for my career, I know it is vital that I have people invest in me, including myself, because it will enable me to prove myself and progress into my dream of becoming an interpreter. If my main focus was money, I would not have made the rigorous decision of studying abroad and delaying my graduation date. Already experienced living in a Spanish-speaking country has granted me the opportunity to experience the culture first-hand. Aristotle once said “For the things we have to learn before we do them, we learn by doing them.” Experiential learning has accelerated my ability to acquire Spanish by bridging the gap between theory and practice. Granted that, it allows me to connect more with the people I may come into contact with throughout my career who are from this part of the world. My interest in choosing Spain and Colombia as my two study abroad destinations not only stems from my desire to become an interpreter of Spanish, but also for the purpose that I have always yearned to visit these countries that I have already heard so many beautiful things about since I was a young girl. Furthermore, my interactions with individuals who are from Spain and Colombia have always been positive, which has also persuaded me to choose these places. Developing relationships with these people, I have had the opportunity to learn more about their ways of life, religion, beliefs, and traditions, which I have grown to acknowledge, admire, and appreciate! My interactions with my native Spanish-speaking friends have taught me that we are all the same people who enjoy the little things in life. Further advancing in my target language has given me the leeway to speak with some of my most influential friends as well, in a way that is more suitable for them while also pleasing myself for the fact that I am courageous and patient enough to acquire another language. By being awarded with this opportunity of studying abroad in not one but two Spanish-speaking countries, I've gained skills and experiences that will help me achieve my goals as a student and continue on my route to become a world-class professional. Traveling to these countries has been the farthest I have ever gone by myself, and now that the end of my journey is near, I am aware that I gained more confidence in myself personally and professionally. Increased language proficiency and cultural comprehension has benefited me for the fact that I have more knowledge about myself and my culture by learning through others. This is possible because by learning more about diverse cultures and by living life another way than I have been accustomed to, I am exposed to information and facts relative to my own culture, preconceptions, mentalities, and worldviews that I may not have ever thought about. Not only is studying abroad further advancing my cross-cultural communication and interpersonal skills, I will have increased future career opportunities. I dreamed of this moment in which I prepared for this amazing experience, and now I'm living it! For this reason, I believe that I made the best decision. Yes, the risk that I took was extremely detrimental to my pockets, but to me it was worth it. Yes, you can take away my possessions and money, but people will never be able to do away with my experiences or education. With that in mind, I made the best out of my time while I was overseas. In all, I am reaching out, because I need your help. Receiving your aid would be greatly appreciated and I will be extremely grateful with whatever you are able to contribute. Honestly, anything is appreciated. Whatever you choose to contribute, if you wish to, is completely up to you, even it's advice and a prayer :)I hope you can understand the circumstances that I am going through as my future depends on your decision. As I said before, I would truly and whole heartedly be grateful with whatever you offer, if you decide to do so. I am convinced that your decision to help me will indeed enable me to continue to excel in the classroom and complete my education at Indiana State University. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to explain my circumstances. Grace and peace.