Closing the Financial Gap: A Plea for Additional Aid to Pursue my Cornell Dream

Dear Financial aid department committee,

My name is Jane An. I am currently a freshman, and I am attending the School of Hotel Administration. First of all, thank you very much for accepting me as one of the Cornell family, and I am honored to be part of it. While I am very thankful and appreciate the gracious offer in my life, it still leaves a substantial financial gap. Before writing to you I have checked does Cornell have financial aid support for students and I founf that it does. Also, I have examined few Cornel essay examples to understand whether or not students can write about such theme. So I would like to respectfully ask for a review of my information based on the files to be considered for any additional financial aid support that is available for me.

Cornell University has supported me and encourages me to improve and develop my ability as a future hotelier. Cornell is my first choice school, and I loved being part of the Cornell family while I am trying my best to make it more affordable for me and my parents. However, I realized that I will be unable to attend my dream school and continue my studies if I do not receive additional financial support.

My parents have supported my education while giving up their money to spend better clothes, substantial life and housing. The value of an education means a lot to our family, and I also have understood since I was young. As my grandfather’s business got bankrupted, my parents faced many struggles to pay the debt from my grandparents. However, they never gave up on me and made a huge commitment early in my life to do everything within their power while giving a full of love to realize myself the importance of dedication and hard work. I believe I have been able to devote the time and my energy for academic accomplishment even though money always has made our family tight. That is the reason why they didn’t express their sadness and pretend that they are okay just in case it will be harmful to my academics. I heard the news that the company that my father used to work for is about to go bankrupt. He was the person who was the happiest for me with my acceptance, but I could hear how he felt so sorry for me that he can’t support me to continue my studies for spring and the rest of my college life. Worsening the relationship between Japan and South Korea seriously affects my dad’s workplace since the workplace which made a labor agreement to export the supplies to Japan company called “Rinnai”. That cooperation cancels a contract with my dad’s company, so it would be unable to create the added value. Most of the income our family is from my dad’s work, and we used the most expensive for my education.

The moment after I heard that news, I didn’t know what I could do. I was thrilled to be involved in Cornell society and learn more at the hotel school. Every single happy moment that I made at Cornell passed me in my head, and each change of my life introduced countless challenges. I was willing to continue my education that I loved and being part Cornell Ambassador, and business club. However, I couldn’t believe I have to leave my second home like this soon. That’s why I decided to visit the hotel school student advisor's office to find a solution to my financial situation. Fortunately, I could get help from my supportive student advisor: Ms.Dina and Ms.Cathy. After they heard about my situation, they connected with me to the international financial aid office. Regardless of my expectations, I could meet one of the best supporters of my life: Ms.Samantha. They all provided the opportunity to apply for the financial aid which I never expected.

To end up this Cornell application for financial aid support, I am committed to being successful despite my circumstances at Cornell University, and I would love to repay one’s kindness after my circumstances got better. I look forward to working with students who need help in the foster system, so I can be the hope that someone else was for me in the future. Thank you so much for your consideration and time!