JESSICA DaSILVA

For the past few weeks, it’s been back and forth with my parents as to whether I can go to Washington, D.C.

The argument for “Yes” is that they love me. Obviously, they want me to go.

The argument for “No” has been because we just can’t afford it right now.

Despite having a $4,000 scholarship from The Fund for American Studies and being able to take out a $5,000 loan, I would still have $3,500 left and, unfortunately, neither I nor my family have that kind of money. A few days ago I had to write the program and explain why I wouldn’t be going.

The program manager called me the next day and said she talked to the scholarship board and they increased my scholarship to $6,000 total, leaving me to find $1,500. She said she’ll try to get more, but in the meantime, I should try finding some funding.

I think I’m going to try finding something in the J-School. Maybe they’ll be more willing to help me when they hear $1,500 instead of $8,000.

If anyone feels like donating, let me know.