Darius Andrew is requesting reconsideration of his financial aid eligibility at Bethune-Cookman University. He explains that during the 2015 spring semester he faced homelessness and financial instability which caused him to fail his classes as he focused on meeting his basic needs rather than his studies. He aims to complete his degree in music recording technology to pursue a career in music engineering and owning his own record label. He believes education is important for his family and career goals. Darius has learned from his past experiences and is focused on academic progress by changing his thinking, focusing more in class, and not letting past challenges determine his future.

1. Darius Andrew
624 Roy Ave Daytona Beach, FL 32114
386-248-6151
Darius.e.andrew@students.cookman.edu
May 28, 2016
Bethune-Cookman University
Office of Students Financial Aid
640 Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Dear Financial Aid Office:
My name is Darius Andrew, currently I am freshman majoring in Music Recording
Technology with a concentration in Business Administration and the purpose of this letter is for
reconsideration of financial aid eligibility.
During the academic spring semester of 2015 I was faced with many life obstacles. When
the semester ended, I immediately return who to Fort Lauderdale when it was just weeks before
Fall semester begin, we lost the house. I was unable to return in the Fall for school, because I
was academically and financially unstable, while my brother was able to attend school in the
Fall. As the days pass, my mom and I immediately called and try to find someone who can help
me attend school for next semester and help my mom to get back on her feet again. The little bit
of cash we had, was only to pay for my Greyhound ticket to Daytona Beach. Upon arriving to
Daytona Beach I had absolutely nowhere to go, but being that I was so determined to finish up
my education at Bethune-Cookman University I reached out to Ashley Keaton, a friend that I
stayed with so that I can help myself get back on my feet. The following day I went to Financial
Aid as was told that I was only awarded approximately 8,000 dollars. The 8,000 was not enough
for me to attend school so my financial advisor Ms. Blue moved my funds from fall 2014 to
spring 2015 being that I didn’t attend school in the spring of 2014 due to financial reasons. After
being awarded approximately 16,000 for the spring semester of 2015 I was able to attend school
as an off campus student. Initially, I began spring semester with an overabundance of drive and
determination. But eventually, my living situation begin to take a toll on me. My focus then
shifted specifically towards my living arrangements, tiredness, worrying, defeat, pressure, and
pain; which drove me into a panic mode. So, I began to miss class which, in turn caused me to
fail being that I was not completing assignments. Primarily my focus was to support my needs
because my fear was having to return to The Broward Outreach Center and becoming homeless
again.
Education and obtaining a degree is important to my family and I because I plan to
pursue music as a career after college. Without the degree I’ll be placed into a more competitive
rank, competing with people without degrees. I also, aspire to be a music engineer and someday

2. have my own record label. And in order for me to be a successful music engineer and produce
my own record label I’ll need to first have the basic fundamentals. Such, as knowledge,
interpersonal skills, and effective communication; which is all learned in undergraduate
education. I do realize that I have jeopardized my career, so I have come up with ways to
improve my academic progress. I have changed my level of thinking, I am focusing more, I’ve
learned to be an independent thinker, and I have learned to not let my past experiences in life
determine my destiny. I now can accept that I am a work in progress. I’m now learning how to
accept things for what they are and I’ve learned to focus on the bigger picture and a brighter
future. However, I am forever grateful for my rough upbringing and past because without them I
would not be able to sit back and reflect on my mistakes and learn from them.
Sincerely,
BCU ID# 641640