Help me finish what I started

My name is Jake. I'm 28 years old, currently living in the city of Lawrence, Kansas, home to the University of Kansas. My current occupation is a Project Scheduler and acting Director of Project Management at Continental Cast Stone - A rising Architectural Cast Stone manufacturing company in Shawnee, Kansas.

Why I'm Here / Intro:

Throughout the majority of my younger years, dating as far as back when I began grade school.. I never enjoyed the idea of going to school. If you're reading this right now, I'm sure by now you have probably heard every regretful, reflection, "wish I could have done it different" kind of story from others you have come across in your life. I'll just let you know ahead of time before you continue, that my story is going to be similar, in some ways. It will probably sound cliche in other ways too. To me though and hopefully to you as well, my story is also unique, it's different, and has plenty of pages left to write in it.

My Background:

I struggled with school all the way back from grade school up until junior college. The truancy officer knew more about me than most of my friends did in middle school, pretty much says it all right there. To keep it brief, GPA's and attempts at getting good grades throughout my teenage years was not on my priority list. I didn't acknowledge once the opportunity I had to get an early start at what would be my life, I was a 2.0, average student and instead of looking down field, all that mattered to me was what was taking place in the present, what was in front of my face.

As time went on, things got worse for me. I eventually dropped out of high school during my senior year, got in trouble with the law and put on probation. At that point, my life was all about living in the state's criminal system for juvenile offenders. I didn't have a plan for myself, or a vision for my future My family was devastated and really worried about me.

When I turned 19, I was had virtually no self-esteem or confidence about the person I was. Depression was overwhelming for me. However, with the help of my father, and his encouragement, I began turning the lord for help with my personal issues. It was an extremely long and difficult road to get myself looking in a positive direction, but eventually I started seeing my trials as a way to overcome and improve what I had been through.

This particular spark that took place, over the next 2-3 years led to numerous blessings in my life and continuous improvement of my well being. The first course of action for a positive change was obtaining my GED. After that, I began working at a UPS sorting facility as a package handler, working my way up the ladder at the company. I held more than one job most of the time, I began developing goals for myself, developing good habits and relationships with other people. Eventually I reached a point where I wanted to pursue a degree and attend the University of Kansas to decide on a career choice.

In order to make up for the time I had lost, I began attending a Junior College in order to get right with admissions. I started out strong, but eventually had a couple of bad semesters. It ended up being just enough for my way into the 4-year University. My first semester on Campus is a memory i'll always hold close to me. I met many of my good friends, and went into the semester with a mindset that I would succeed.

Once again, I started off strong. But eventually had a couple of bad semesters and was suspended from the University for one calendar year..

I was 25 years old when that happened. Since then, it's been all about nothing but focusing on my work, trying to support myself, and continue to make progress in my life. No family, no kids. All on my own right now.

___________________________________________________________________________________

My Plan:

I'm here because I am asking for financial help to return to school and finish what I started almost 10 years ago to this day. I want to further pursue my education. I want to apply everything I have learned from when I failed, apply my new and improved self, my experience and acquire more knowledge in business and supply chain management industry, and concentrate on finishing my Bachelor's degree in either Business / Business Administration. As of right now, I have 96 credit hours complete, with core classes included.

The Problem / Reason for Funding

$1,139.00 - Tuition invoice

I have a 4.0 GPA transcript that is currently being held hostage by a former Junior College I attended, along with the efforts by their Collection Agency. Until the payment is made in full, my transcripts are on hold and cannot be transferred to the schools I have applied for readmission with.

I was ruled ineligible for financial aid while I took classes during my break from school, due to only being available to attend part-time classes. .

My credit score is bad, at the moment. Really bad. Along with living expenses, A private loan, even for an amount that low is the very last resort at this time.

What I've Accomplished in my Spare Time:

- Re-enrolled in a local junior college (Neosho County CC- Ottawa, KS): Result: 4 Classes - 4.0 GPA

^institution which is holding my transcripts^

- Re-enrolled at my first ever junior college (Johnson County CC - Overland Park, KS) - Result: 4 Semesters Part-Time - Graduating with Associates of Arts Degree as of Spring 2016

- Applied for Readmission to multiple 4-year Institutions - Spring 2016 (Pending Transcripts submissions)

- Attained almost 10 years of Supply Chain Management and Logistics experience

- Promoted to lead and manage a Project Management team contributing to $2-4 million in annual company revenue

(Documentation can be made available if necessary)

_________________________________________________________________________________

Conclusion:

A Buddy of mine told me about this website and I decided to give this a try.

If you would like to help out or make a donation towards my cause -- Any amount, any contribution at all, i would personally thank you if I could and I greatly appreciate your support, your belief in what I am trying to do accomplish here.

Regardless if you choose to do so, I would like to thank you for taking the time to read my story.

The one thing I think about when I think when my Education comes to mind, is how I wish I would have spent my time more effectively.

I'm happy to say that I have reached the point in my life where I am treating it like gold now.

Take Care and God bless.

- Jake