Help me succeed

**THANK YOU FOR CHECKING OUT MY FUNDRAISER**

This fundraiser is to raise money for educational and professional expenses.

**My Story**

I'm going to school for an associates degree in Massage Therapy. Going to college, after being out of high school for nearly 12 years, has definitely not been easy. My school follows an accelerated program- I take one class at a time, but each class is 4 weeks long instead of a usual 18 weeks one would see at a standard campus. As such, my "academic year" is only 8 months instead of 12. It makes for an intense program, but my degree will take 18 months instead of 24. That having been said, I am currently less than a month from completing my course, and have been doing considerably well. I have made Deans list for 4 straight semesters. 

**My Problem**

As I see my graduation nearing, I find myself in a predicament and I need to ask for help... As stated in *My Story*, my "school year" is only 8 months. Financial aid (i.e. PELL grant) follows a 12 month calendar year. Because of this, I was unable to receive the PELL grant to cover my remaining 2 months of school. I had to take out a private student loan to cover these costs. Total amount of the loan is roughly $1750, plus taxes and lender fees. It isn't a high amount (yet) but it does have a high variable interest rate currently at 11.8%. I need to get this loan (and several other educational/ professional costs) taken care of as soon as possible. Please read further for additional information.

**How Raised Funds Will Be Used**  

If I can raise enough through this fundraiser, the bulk will go to paying off this specific student loan before it skyrockets. Repayment isn't required until 6 months after graduation, but interest will accrue during that time. At the end of 6 months, all accrued interest will be added to the principal balance, and interest will then be charged against the new amount. I realize the fundraiser limit is over the loan amount. This is why- The cost for my certification exam and required federal background check are included in my tuition, while the cost for fingerprinting, occupational license, and professional liability insurance are not. A fingerprinting card (must be submitted directly from the lab to the Dept. of Health) is roughly $100. Insurance is generally $120-$200, but I can purchase insurance cheaper if I get it while I am still enrolled in school. The remainder will go towards occupational licenses and fees.

**The Nitty Gritty**  

In addition, this site charges a flat 4% fee on all donations, and Paypal charges a 2.9% fee plus $.30 per donation. This is included in your donation cost, not added to it. That means a $10 donation will be charged $.99, so $9.01 will go to my cause. A $100 donation will be charged $7.20, so $92.80 will go to my cause. I have looked in to a dozen crowdfunding sites. Most others charge more. Those that charge less seem to have bad customer support and unhappy clients. Most other sites also charge their fees on top of your donation, meaning a $100 donation, with a 7% service fee and 2.9% Paypal fee, would be a $109.90 charge to the donator. This site strikes a good balance between charged service fees and customer support. 

**Thank you again for checking out my fundraiser!!!**

**Any amount over $1 can be donated, and ALL donations will be greatly appreciated!!!**