College Grants Available for students with Lupus?

Hi all! 

I was diagnosed with Lupus when I was 15 years old.  I am now 23 and finally begining to learn how to manage this disease.  It is amazing to me how every little small thing in my life affects this disease.  Anyway, I began college when I was 18, and due to severe flares ended up taking almost 2 years off (Cumulatively).  I am finally now ready to go back to school.  After a lot of prayer and thinking, my family and I decided that I couldn't work and go to school at the same time.  Thats when I flare up, (too much on my plate).  I am having dificulty finding a way to pay for school.  Does anyone know of any grants available to college students to help them pay for tuition.  I just want to finish school and begin my life.  I would appreciate any suggestions.  Thanks a lot for taking the time to reply to this!

 

Hi Stars, again! 

 

Wow, you do have a lot going on.  I commend you for even trying to do all that!  Are you in Canada or the US?  I might be able to help you if you're in Canada.  But I have no idea what is available in the US.  Hopefully someone here can help you out with your questions.

 

What are you studying?  Just curious!

 

Blessings,

ginny

Well, up here in Canada there are programs through the provincial governments for people with disabilities to help them afford tuition etc.  The challenge is getting them to understand that lupus is a valid disability.  So I'm sure, in whatever state you live, there must be something like that available.  I'd contact your local lupus chapter organization and see if they know where you should apply, etc.  They have a lot of great resources available and would probably have no trouble assisting you.

 

I think your direction of studies is fantastic! What an incredibly rewarding career you're going to have.  Good on you!!!

Hi Stars. I googled "student grants lupus" and found a couple of grant sources, so try a few google searches. You may want to consider loans. I didn't get my bachelor's until I was 36 and I didn't have lupus. Through much of this I was a single working mom and I took 1 or 2 classes a semester. Getting my BS changed my life (for the better) so don't give up. Just keep at it! Love, Butterflake

Greetings Stars! What a great career you are pursuing! I have been in education for 23 years now and I have loved every minute of it! I have founs that I love students of all ages and there is a special place in my heart for my students with autism. Finding a job in Special Education, especially with an endorsement for autism, will be easier for you since Special Education teachers are in such high demand!

If you qualify for a federal loan and find a teaching job in either a rural or an urban community, your loans will be forgiven. I think you must teach in the community for four or five years - not sure - but the school just fills out a special form each year and they do not send you the bill!

First, you need to go to your college financial aid office to get the required forms for the loan (I think it is called the FAFSA Loan) and fill this out with your family. You need to do this as soon as possible since classes start within a month now. In addition, the counselors at the financial aid office may be able to point you to other scholarships for which you might qualify.

Good luck to you! Do not ever give up. It is OK to take some reduced class loads so that you can pace yourself and avoid flares.

Audrey

Great, I am happy you are looking into all options.

I would think that if you were on an approved maternity leave that you would be fine. If you would actually quit your position with the hopes of finding another position later, then I would not think that would be OK. Also, you could try to time your babies for the summer (I was lucky to be able to do this - I had one in June and one in July) and hope family could help you out with child care.

Currently, I am an elementary principal (K-5) and I have taught first, fifth, sixth, and kindergarten as well as serving as an Instructional Consultant K-12. Education is a very rewarding career but it is also very hard work. I do not know very many teachers who actually take the summer off. Many take classes in the summer or serve on curriculum committees or coach students or write grants. Teachers are amazing! Be prepared to pay for all of your licensing and certification tests. Also, you will, most likely, subsidize your classroom with toys, office supplies, books, and some teaching materials. It is amazing how giving teachers can be. Special Education is in demand but in other areas of education there is a surplus of candidates. I just read through 166 applications for one first grade position. It was heartbreaking. Most of the applications were very good. I wish I had time to interview about 120 of them!

Anyway, I am not sure how bad your lupus is, but, you should be abl to pace yourself in this career. I have RA and lupus and I have teachers with various autoimmune problems and we all support each other. You really have to guard your time and make sure you go to bed early EVERY night.

All my best to you!