Desperate for money to attend college

Dear Pastor

I love your column and not a day goes by that I don't read it. I am a 21-year-old woman who is trying my best to have a better life.

Along the way, there have been some obstacles, like financial issues. I am working at a call centre, but I feel like I am just working to send myself back to work. I want to go to college next year to get my associate degree. When I contacted a college, I was told that it would be $179,425 for the year, which is part-time.

The reason I want to go to college is to get a degree and a better-paying job. I don't have that kind of money to begin with, and I don't have anybody to help me. I do have family abroad, but I don't ask them for help because they love to talk about what they did for others. So that has made me cautious when it comes to them. I don't ask anyone for anything, I rely on my pay. But I feel like my life is stuck, and I need to do better and further my education. I would like to know if there is a government programme that assists young persons with going to school.

I am also trying to get a laptop, so that I can get a job and work from home to save on transportation. I also want to move from where I am living because it is not an ideal place. One step at a time, I am going to work towards all these things. I just want to know if there are any programmes that could assist me with going back to school. I am patiently waiting on your response. Thank you in advance.

A.N

Dear A.N.,

I have been getting many letters from young people appealing to the public for financial assistance, and I have become very reluctant in publishing them.

You are 21 and employed. My understanding is that people who are doing the type of work in which you are employed earn a relatively good salary. I have not checked that out, but I will. However, what I am suggesting to you is that instead off appealing to the public for help, you should try your best to help yourself and stop complaining about how difficult you have been finding life to be.

You are an ambitious young woman and you want to go to college. I suggest that you speak to the Students' Loan Bureau and try to get a loan from them, and to help pay your way through college. Many young people have had to do exactly that and they have achieved their goals. Take your time. Plan wisely; go step by step and you will accomplish your goals.

Pastor