Hello, my name is Shelby Harrell. I attended Howard University from 2015 - 2018 with the original goal to graduate in 2019. My majors were history and sociology. I was an Eboard member of CASCADE and the North Carolina Club while in attendance as well. Unfortunately, due to multiple factors, it has taken me extra time to complete this journey. The first major roadblock to my success in college came 1 month before I even graduated high school. My mother passed away on May 1st, 2015. This was especially devastating to me because she was a single parent. My mother raised me with the help of family and friends, but my father’s name is not even on my birth certificate, and he has no legal obligation or responsibility to me. After informing someone in financial aid about the death of my mother, I was told to apply for independent student status, and granted that status. From that point on, things seemed perfectly fine. I tried to make friends, have the normal college experience. I even joined the marching band, but quit the following year to focus on my grades and other endeavors. Nothing seemed to stop the looming depression I felt over losing my mom and leaving my little brother behind in North Carolina, being raised by our grandma. Tired of the loneliness, I decided to make a life changing decision: I joined Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated, Alpha Chapter. I needed some of type of community, some sense of belonging, in my life that simply wasn’t there without my sisters. Being around my sisters showed me how to love without trauma attached, taught me accountability, and tested my drive. Unfortunately, my time spent with my sisters was short lived In 2018, I was informed I would have to re-apply for independent student status. This time, my appeal was denied. I was so confused, and tried to figure out how to fight it, but every visit to Financial Aid ended with me leaving in tears, trying to figure out my options. The second semester of my junior year, I had to leave because I could no longer afford my tuition. After leaving Howard, I spiraled mentally, being diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and exhibited symptoms like high anxiety. It took me a couple years to get things figured out with my mental health, and along the way I was also diagnosed with ADHD, and put on prescription medications. I am ready to begin the process of returning to school, getting my degree and using it help make this world a better place, but the debt I’ve acquired from Howard is staggering. To top it all off, they want me to pay my remaining balance out of pocket. Therefore, I am fundraising to ask for help in getting this money. I have some saved up, but a little help would go a long way. I appreciate any donations possible!
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