<p>I struggled academically and had my financial aid suspended. I am now filing an appeal. How does this sound? Am I clear enough? Are my circumstances significant enough to have my financial aid reinstated? It is hard for me to open up like this. Do I sound too ridiculous? I have used XXXXX where the college name or other names appear. Also, help me out in case I have grammatical issues.</p>
<p>PLEASE EXPLAIN IN DETAIL THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT OCCURED, MAKING THIS APPEAL NECESSARY. (NOTE: STUDENTS MUST ATTACH SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION THAT FURTHER EXPLAINS OR SUPPORTS THE APPEAL.)
1. I have had struggled academically since coming to XXXXX, although I performed much better during my first year than I have since, due to not only lack of financial support but also social support. I have never had a lot of support from my parents, due to my father being an alcoholic for most of his adult life. My four grandparents, three of whom are now between 87 and 92, primarily raised me. During the Spring 2009 semester my Grandma XXXX passed away which left a big gap in my life (see attached obituary). Being the youngest of my grandparents, she was the most involved and interested in my life. After her death I became increasingly lonely and depressed, which I believe was also related to chronic pain, sleep disturbances, and loss of concentration. It has been difficult to balance coursework, finances, and my own health.</p>
<p>PLEASE EXPLAIN IN DETAIL THE CIRCUMSTANCES THAT HAVE CHANGED WHICH WILL ENSURE SUCCESS IN THE UPCOMING SEMESTER.
2. During the 2009-2010 school year I began to see a doctor for chronic pain (see attached doctors note). In August 2010 I was prescribed Citalopram, an antidepressant medication (see attached Rx receipts). During the Spring 2011 semester I have started to see a counselor at XXXXX, XXXXX. Rather than continuing to wait and hope for support from family, I have attempted to be more proactive at building stronger relationships with friends and their families (see attached letter from a recent XXXXX graduates mother for one example), coworkers, church members, and extended family (great-aunts and uncles, etc.). I feel that I am very capable as a student at XXXXX if given the support and encouragement that most students need to succeed.</p>