[Anne36]

Hi everyone. I would like some feed back. Im very discouraged right now and feel ready to quit.

Last year I started attending OCC. Never been to school before, I scrimped to pay for it on my own. Dont have a job, 4 kids, broke.

I got all A's although Im nowhere near done with pre-req's

NWLB program i started trying to get since May1. I feel like they are messing with me all these months. After playing all their games I have discovered that they have no intention of giving me money for school. They have yet to tell me this, I figured it out on my own.

Wont pay for pre-req's. Originally told that pre-req's could get paid for if they are in the program. I guess thats not true.

I didnt get money from FASFA. I cannot even figure out how to pay for daycare let alone school.

This program doesnt seem to do any good unless you already have some school behind you.

I feel defeated and have been led on a wild goose chase. Back at square 1.

[szyman27]

I know it is easy to get discouraged but please don't quit. You can find a way, and it's really going to pay off in the end. Have you checked into private loans? I know it sucks to have to think about it but if you get your degree your employer can help pay them off. It's somethign to think about.

I was going to try and get the no worker left behind money too. Now I am nervous. I will be starting a program in a couple months so maybe that will make a difference.

All I can say is stick in there. I don't really know your whole life story but I think you can do it.

[Anne36]

Thanks, thats what another friend of mine told me, not to get discouraged.

I can try for loans, its just that I had my hopes up and was planning on NWLB.

[SerenityRN2b2010]

Originally Posted by Anne36

Thanks, thats what another friend of mine told me, not to get discouraged.

I can try for loans, its just that I had my hopes up and was planning on NWLB.

A friend of mine was approved for the NWLB education funds last year. She was told that in order to do the nursing program she would have to pay for her prerequisites out of her own pocket and then they would pay for the actual nursing classes. She has yet to do it because can't afford to pay for the classes herself and be able to live too. Personally, I think they have all these regulations and policies in place and they really didn't think it all out on how people are going to survive without a job and pay for classes too.

I wish you all the luck and never give up. Your dream can come true!

[szyman27]

Yeah it doesn't make too much sense, none of it does.

I can't qualify for financial aide because I made a ton of money in 2007. They don't care that it was severence because I was laid off, or the fact that all of that went toward selling my house since I no longer had a cushy job. I sure as heck don't make that money now, and I am paying tuition on top of it. So much for being there for those who need it! Luckily I have been able to cover my pre reqs, so I am still hoping for NWLB.

[SerenityRN2b2010]

Originally Posted by szyman27

Yeah it doesn't make too much sense, none of it does.

I can't qualify for financial aide because I made a ton of money in 2007. They don't care that it was severence because I was laid off, or the fact that all of that went toward selling my house since I no longer had a cushy job. I sure as heck don't make that money now, and I am paying tuition on top of it. So much for being there for those who need it! Luckily I have been able to cover my pre reqs, so I am still hoping for NWLB.

Can't you fill out the special circumstance form explaining your situation? I believe the school has the final say so in regards to financial aid. I know at my school they do this. Hopefully something can be done to get you some financial assistance. Check into scholarships that you can apply for outside of your school. There is a website you can go to and check out all the different scholarships that companies are offering, but I can't remember the name of it...

Anyone know the URL for that website?

[szyman27]

I checked into the special circumstance stuff and they were quite rude to me. Apparently as a single women that used to make a living, I need to be unable to feed myself before they feel bad for me.

I should be able to do ok as long as I can find a decent part time job, which isn't the easiest when you have advanced degrees. They don't get that I wouldn't apply there if I didn't want to work there. My current job ends in 2 weeks off a one year contract.

I have a pplied for a couple scholarships and I waiting to hear back. I'm thinking the same thing is going to happen with those as with the federal aide stiff though.

Thanks for the advice.

[k_r_ah]

what is NWLB?

[szyman27]

No Worker Left Behind

It's an initiative that Granholm started a couple years ago to retrain skilled workers that have been laid off, so that they stay in Michigan. I think it has expanded to people who have not been laid off as well. They will pay 5K for each of two years (10K total) for an accredited program in a high demand field.

http://www.michigan.gov/nwlb

[AuntNana]

I just talked to someone who still works at GM & was given $5000 for some class to learn how to give massages. Amazing, isn't it?

I also just called Workfirst myself because I am concerned about all the fees & such after I graduate with my ADN in December. This will disqualify me for financial aid unless I continue to take classes (I need a break!).

This lady told me to get down there ASAP, register for unemployment services, & get on the list. She said I would be there a while because there are so many people applying for the unemployment extentions & all. (So, I'll study in the office...lol.)
She said she was sure they could help me with these testing/review class fees & one optimistic thing she said was that due to me having classes at who knows what hours, an individual orientation could be set up.
Well, it all sounds good. We shall see. I'll be down there next Tuesday & I'll keep yous posted.