Doctor’s Choice

Update (as of September 15, 2014):

     I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have previously supported my original fundraiser.  Through means of assistance both on- and offline, I have been fortunate enough to be able to register for the first quarter of my freshmen year of college.  That being said, I am still in need of assistance regarding financing the remainder of the school year, and though I am extending the duration of my fundraiser, I am only looking to raise $10,000.  You can find the original description of my fundraiser below, and as always, I appreciate every contribution towards the securement of my academic future.

Original (as of August 5, 2014):

     My name is Sean Cedric Jackson.  I am currently, as of June 12, 2014, a high school graduate, class valedictorian with a  4.4 grade point average. This past school year, I have served as President of my school’s National Honor Society chapter.  This fall, I will be attending University of California, Riverside, where I have been accepted into the Honors Program.  My career goal is to become a medical doctor, with an emphasis on medical research. This area of endeavor has become a passion of mine, as I have seen people very close to me suffer from debilitating, poorly-researched diseases such as  various forms of arthritis and cancer. 

     Although I am academically on track towards achieving my career goals by means of receiving a quality education, I have stumbled across some roadblocks when it comes to financing my endeavor.  Growing up, I had always been told that continuous hard work, determination, perseverance, and diligence, especially in high school, would pave the way for further educational opportunities to become possible through hefty scholarships and grants.  With this in mind, I have strived to consistently flourish in my schooling, never dropping below a 4.0 GPA, while anticipating a relatively simple experience finding the funding I need for a college education.  In reality, in light of this recent recession, I have received very little in terms of financial aid.  What’s more is that I have spent the past year and a half researching and applying for countless scholarship opportunities, only to be repeatedly turned down on account of the high volume of applicants.  Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of my situation is the simple fact that if I had put a greater emphasis on sports-related endeavors, an abundance of money in the form of scholarships and grants would have come my way.  Instead, I am only offered enough to cover a very minuscule percentage of the fees involved in attending a highly accredited University.  It is the misplaced priorities of our modern society that discourage people like me from attempting to develop their great potential.

     My goal is to reach $30,000 in funds to cover my tuition, books and supplies, fees, living expenses, incidentals, and anything that I may require to support myself during my freshman year of college.  In donating to this cause, you are investing not only in my future, but in the future of the country and world as a whole.  Though I have had the desire to become a doctor from a very young age, as I grew older I realized that my primary concern is helping people and giving back to the world around me.  I realize that there are those in this world who are disenfranchised due to various illnesses and conditions, many of which receive little to no recognition.  My ultimate goal in life is to equip myself, by means of college and, by extension, medical school, with the tools necessary to aid these people by any means I can, whether it be through discovering a breakthrough cure or treatment plan, or by opening up a free clinic that caters to those unable to afford adequate health care.  Despite these ambitions, none of them will be possible if I am unable to amass enough funds to attend college.  

     I am extremely grateful for all of you taking the time out to read my appeal.  At this point in time, I am in desperate need of assistance, and every contribution counts.  Regardless of whether I reach my financial goal, words will not be able to accurately express my appreciation for this grand opportunity to fight for my future.