Five months ago, I got a letter from Columbia based on my SAT scores. An Ivy League school. They were everything I could wish for. I did some digging and I found these summer programs for theatre at Columbia that I was drooling over. Quickly, Columbia became my dream school. I found out that as of recent events, these summer immersion programs were going to be online this year. I immediately set up an application, got my transcripts ready and the whole shebang for a three week course in theatre from Columbia. But, of course, there was the application fee. It was hefty, but not unmanageable. So, I was going to apply for this course. And then, it clicked. It’s a college. An Ivy League University. They aren’t passing out three week summer immersion programs for the cost of an 80 dollar application. I found out the full price. And it stung. I come from a very economically challenged background. Also my job was cancelled and I live in a high risk household, so I can’t earn the money to afford the class. College has always been very important to me. I have worked so hard in my school career to get where I am and to stay on the path that I am on. I have given my blood, sweat and tears- all completely literally- to be who I am. For every minute of my time on this Earth, I have worked so hard and now I want to take my aspirations a step further, seize the opportunity and take a Summer Immersion course with the university of my dreams.