The True Story of the Independent Student and His Grandpa

This year I was lucky enough to work with a wonderful family, grandpa and grandson. I began working with the family in September the beginning of the student’s senior year. I developed a financial aid time-line in order to make sure his financial aid documents were complete before the due date.

Grandpa was the legal guardian of his grandson for the past 13 years. His love and encouragement to help his grandson go to the college of his dreams will stay with me forever.

On May first the student made his decision to attend University of San Diego for the fall of 2011. This is where the story begins. Together the three of us continued to accomplish the financial aid mandatory checklist required by UCSD. I communicated weekly with the UCSD financial aid office and the family in order to verify the student is independent and in a legal guardianship.

The financial aid office at UCSD is outstanding and did everything they could to help us out. We want to thank them for making a dream come true for a very proud grandpa and his grandson.

In order to be an independent student you must answer “yes” to any of the 13 questions on the FAFSA and you may need documentation to prove your status. Let me know how can I help guide you through the entire financial aid process?

1, 2, 3, My Blog

I am a list girl! Everything I do is a list 1, 2, 3.

Here is the "To do" list for the day..

1. Write a Blog (check)

2. Social Media

3. Financial Aid

4. Connect Social Media and Financial Aid

1. Let's begin with Social Media. I jumped into the pool of social media..did you hear the splash? Twitter, Facebook, Blogger and Hootsuite are the tools that lead me to inspiration, education and encouragement from so many friends. Thank you all for helping!

My first share button experience was a link from SanLuisObispo.com..this is a must read. I even posted their picture on the blog so you can see the pair.

Pair Brings Tutors to the Web Here is the link:

2. Financial Aid this week for my client families included, receiving official financial aid award letters, applying for PLUS Loans and reviewing Student Loan options. Families who have incoming senior students are encouraged to begin exploring the financial aid process and if you have any questions I am here to help!

3. Connecting Social Media with Financial Aid. As we continue our journey together we will navigate the financial aid system with the help of social media.

College Financial Aid Advisors wants to connect with you! How can we help?