A Letter to my University and the Unfairness of New Financial Aid Policies

To whom it may concern,

This trimester, I learned that there were new financial aid policies that were put in place. Specifically, that students were unable to use company reimbursement (the deferment to the end of the trimester) in combination with student loans to pay for tuition. It has been explained to me that I can only use either students loans or company reimbursement -- not both. This has caused quite a financial burden to me and other students attending [school name withheld]. In addition, this also causes students that do not have the financial means to pay the balance to apply for additional, unnecessary loans; that is, Grad Plus Loans.

I am blessed that my company provides up to $5,250 in company reimbursements a year to qualified employees. With the current tuition, this will only cover about one class in the MBA program. Subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford loans will not cover the entire trimester; therefore, I am left with the situation to either: 1) request Grad Plus loans 2) Drop a class and delay my graduation date or 3) wipe out my savings account and ask family members for assistance. All three options are all unfavorable and unacceptable. The financial aid office was gracious enough to put me on a three payment plan to pay the balance of my tuition which amounts to 1,483.00 for the next three months. This is equal to 2 months of mortgage payments.  That, to me, is unfair and makes it difficult to attend school.

I would very much like to know what legislation specifically states that us, as students, cannot use company reimbursement and students loans together. You have and will receive the balance owed once I receive my grades and company reimbursement (as I've done in the past without fail), so I do not see the need for this type of policy. However, I would like to learn more about these laws and, if necessary, approach my Congressman about this issue to express how unfair this is to students trying to get their education and graduate in a timely manner.

 Best Regards,
Carlos Soriano

February Challenge: Day Eight

Day Eight - Sun

Picture of the sun through some palm trees outside my hotel window.

February Challenge: Day Seven

Day Seven - Button

Those of you that know me know that I LOVE Banana Republic.  They're the only retailer that looks out for the small guy via an extra-small selection (my neck is 13 1/2).  Places like Nordstrom and Macy's have told me to try the children's section for some of my shirts... Really?!

Button is from BR's Soft-Wash Navy Plaid Shirt

February Challenge: Day Six

No pic today :-(

I didn't even have dinner...  Don't tell my mom.

February Challenge: Day Five

Day Five - 10am

I missed this one... and for good reason... I was asleep at 10am.  This was probably my view at 10am.  The ceiling :)

February Challenge: Day Four

Day Four - A Stranger

My sister in line for the women's bathroom.  One reason why I'm glad I'm a guy.  The line to the men's bathroom was equally as long, but by the time I was done my sister was still in line...  Tee hee

February Challenge: Day Three

Day Three - Hands

Great night with old friends... It's always great to reminisce about our days in drum and bugle corps which we always seem to do whenever we hang out.

February Challenge: Day Two

Day Two - Words

Ever written a letter to someone?  An old fashioned letter?  I highly encourage you to write a friend just to ask how they are doing.  For me, it really slows me down and appreciate the friendships that I've made thru the years.  Invest in your friends... Words can be very powerful