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The Campaign for a Bradley Renaissance

 

Gov. Quinn rallies for MAP grant

Students tell their stories

Nicole Carter is a senior from Chicago, IL, majoring in social work with a minor in sociology. Below are her remarks from Thursday's rally.

I am at Bradley University today because of the MAP grant. It was clear to me back in high school that my family could not afford to send me to a school out of state; in fact I couldn't go to a college in Illinois without financial assistance.

Because I am a good student and because I am determined, I secured scholarships and loans to come to Bradley. But I needed a little extra boost. MAP provided that for me.

Why do I need this aid? I am a first generation college student and would be the first in my family to ever graduate. My mother is a teacher's aide. My father passed when I was young, leaving my mom to care for me. She instilled in me the values of scholarship and hard work and giving back. And that's what I've done at Bradley.

I am now employed at Manual High School and have work for the Student Activities Office for two years. I am president of the Black Student Alliance. When I graduate, I want to be a social worker and eventually a college professor.

I can see the finish line now. Graduation is just a few months away. Four years of hard work is about to pay off. My family will be so proud of all my hard work and, you know, I am proud of myself for all that I've accomplished.

But now all that work is in jeopardy. My MAP grant may not be there in the spring for me. I have no way to make up that money. I have no way to fill that financial void. I don't have anywhere to turn.

So I turn to you Governor Quinn and to legislators in Springfield. Please help me out. Please help all of us. Help us strive for the success we have worked for. Help me graduate so I can pursue my bright future.

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