Darius Andrew

624 Roy Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32114

386-248-6151

Darius.e.andrew@students.cookman.edu

May 28, 2016

Bethune-Cookman University

Office of Students Financial Aid

640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd

Daytona Beach, FL 32114

Dear Financial Aid Office:

My name is Darius Andrew, currently I am freshman majoring in Music Recording

Technology with a concentration in Business Administration and the purpose of this letter is for

reconsideration of financial aid eligibility.

During the academic spring semester of 2015 I was faced with many life obstacles. When

the semester ended, I immediately return who to Fort Lauderdale when it was just weeks before

Fall semester begin, we lost the house. I was unable to return in the Fall for school, because I

was academically and financially unstable, while my brother was able to attend school in the

Fall. As the days pass, my mom and I immediately called and try to find someone who can help

me attend school for next semester and help my mom to get back on her feet again. The little bit

of cash we had, was only to pay for my Greyhound ticket to Daytona Beach. Upon arriving to

Daytona Beach I had absolutely nowhere to go, but being that I was so determined to finish up

my education at Bethune-Cookman University I reached out to Ashley Keaton, a friend that I

stayed with so that I can help myself get back on my feet. The following day I went to Financial

Aid as was told that I was only awarded approximately 8,000 dollars. The 8,000 was not enough

for me to attend school so my financial advisor Ms. Blue moved my funds from fall 2014 to

spring 2015 being that I didn’t attend school in the spring of 2014 due to financial reasons. After

being awarded approximately 16,000 for the spring semester of 2015 I was able to attend school

as an off campus student. Initially, I began spring semester with an overabundance of drive and

determination. But eventually, my living situation begin to take a toll on me. My focus then

shifted specifically towards my living arrangements, tiredness, worrying, defeat, pressure, and

pain; which drove me into a panic mode. So, I began to miss class which, in turn caused me to

fail being that I was not completing assignments. Primarily my focus was to support my needs

because my fear was having to return to The Broward Outreach Center and becoming homeless

again.

Education and obtaining a degree is important to my family and I because I plan to

pursue music as a career after college. Without the degree I’ll be placed into a more competitive

rank, competing with people without degrees. I also, aspire to be a music engineer and someday

have my own record label. And in order for me to be a successful music engineer and produce

my own record label I’ll need to first have the basic fundamentals. Such, as knowledge,

interpersonal skills, and effective communication; which is all learned in undergraduate

education. I do realize that I have jeopardized my career, so I have come up with ways to

improve my academic progress. I have changed my level of thinking, I am focusing more, I’ve

learned to be an independent thinker, and I have learned to not let my past experiences in life

determine my destiny. I now can accept that I am a work in progress. I’m now learning how to

accept things for what they are and I’ve learned to focus on the bigger picture and a brighter

future. However, I am forever grateful for my rough upbringing and past because without them I

would not be able to sit back and reflect on my mistakes and learn from them.

Sincerely,

BCU ID# 641640