<p>To whom it may concern:</p>
<p>My name is ..... This letter is being written in hopes that you may reconsider your decision and allow my financial aid. I appreciate your time and considerations. Despite my inability to meet the Satisfactory Academic Progress guidelines in the spring 2013 semester, I am a very dedicated student and held a 3.74 GPA. I was an honors student, member of Phi Theta Kappa, made Deans list, and Presidents list. I was unable to meet the SAP due to the suffering of major depression and severe anxiety. As noted in the attached documents, I was diagnosed with these disorders in 2010 and have continually struggled with them for the past few years. </p>
<p>Throughout my history with depression, I experienced lengthy periods punctuated by loss of willpower, lack of energy, and extreme anxiety. On some mornings, the ability to even get out of bed even seems to evade me. This occurred most recently in the Spring 2013 semester, shortly after I relocated to Lexington to attend the University of Kentucky.
I was unable to seek therapy or other medical care at this time because I was ashamed of my inability to perform like my peers. I was paralyzed for by my fear of judgment. My family does not believe in depression or anxiety. I grew up being told that I could force myself to be happy and normal regardless of what I may be enduring. It was because of this that I suffered in silence. I self-harmed for 6 years unnoticed and developed an eating disorder. I was 108lbs standing at 56 and it was not questioned. Spending more than half a decade relying primarily on myself further skewed my though process. Having survived thus far and managed to stop self-harming, I was convinced I could handle it on my own.</p>
<p>The Spring 2013 semester was a very harsh awaking from this absurd notion. I was entirely alone for the first time and overwhelmed. I could not find a job and remained financially unstable throughout the semester. I had no friends, nor anyone I could talk to. I was isolated with no means of support and felt entirely helpless. My anxiety continued to steadily increase. I became unable to sleep or eat. My head was hazy. I became afraid to attend classes. I was terrified of what my professors must think and my inability to grasp the material. The impairments within my academic functioning only reinforced my negative thought process. I relapsed into self-harming. My life continued down this path throughout the semester. It was not until I finally saw my grades that I realized I was not handling it. My entire future had fallen apart. </p>
<p>I have spent the summer rebuilding my life. I do not have health insurance so I could not attend therapy. However, I began attending anonymous support groups and have sense developed a feeling of security. I no longer have the inability to eat or sleep. I now have a home that feels welcoming and a steady income. I feel that my ability to maintain my job displays signs of improvement. If my financial aid is granted, I will attend therapy sessions at the student clinic. I do not intend to exceed 13 credit hours and repeat last semesters classes. I will regularly meet with my advisor and seek tutoring.</p>
<p>My academic and future career success are of the upmost importance to me. However, I will be unable to continue my education without the assistance of financial aid. The opportunity to attend the University of Kentucky is vital to my goals and future. It is my deepest hope that you will reinstate my financial aid. I am positive that if given this opportunity, I will achieve academic success and be the first member of my family to graduate from college.</p>
<p>Thank you,
.......</p>