Author: Terrah
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This Is What It Means to Stay
Content Warning: This post discusses mental health challenges, including suicidal ideation and hospitalization. If you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone. Support resources are included at the end. At Danalize, we talk a lot about financial aid, college access, and beating the odds.But we don’t always talk about what happens after the acceptance letter or…
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Navigating the Waitlist: A Guide to Turning ‘Maybe’ into ‘Accepted’
You find yourself in the application portal repeatedly refreshing the page counting down the seconds. Your finger is trembling as it hovers over the “view decision” button. With a hesitant click, you reveal your decision, and your eyes quickly scan the page. A sinking feeling takes root in your chest as the bold letters deliver…
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Navigating Failure While Pursuing Excellence as a First-Gen Student
As of today, one day after First-Gen Awareness Day, celebrations have taken place to honor the sacrifices and successes that come with being a first generation student across multiple institutions. In an effort to maintain transparency, I wanted to open up about my own journey. While I wish I could talk about excelling in every…
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Affirmative Action Obsession and the Unfair Criticism of Black Students
“Pointing fingers at affirmative action because things didn’t go your way is not only harmful but also dismisses the challenges and hardships we have endured to even sit in those elite spaces.” Danae “Students for Fair Admissions” initially appears to be an organization dedicated to promoting fairness in higher education. But what if I told…
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Navigating Reality’s Detour: Embracing Setbacks on the Road to Success
The soft glow of the computer screen casts an ethereal light on my tired eyes, contrasting sharply with the enveloping darkness that surrounds me. It’s 1:29 am, a time when the world sleeps, but my mind refuses to rest. It’s a time when the street racers and party goers come alive, their noise blending with…
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Tiktok made me do it: Your Top Financial Aid Questions Answered!
I’m so excited to announce that my financial aid appeal templates on TikTok have been a huge success! I’ve been able to guide hundreds of individuals to my blog, where I have provided one-on-one support and customized templates tailored to their unique situations. It’s been humbling to see that over 100,000 people have benefitted from…
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Ink of Liberation: Embracing Courage and Identity in my Diary
To the journal of my mind: Who am I if not a woman? Who am I if not the object of the male gaze that surrounds me? Who am I if I’m not true to myself? In the silence of my bedroom, wrapped in a cozy blanket, I found myself engaged in a difficult conversation.…
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How I Fought for a Nearly Full Ride: My Financial Aid Appeal Success Story and Tips for You
If I were granted three wishes, my very first one would be to turn the stack of colorful Monopoly money I’ve been hoarding into real cash. You see, whenever someone asked me about the steep cost of college, I’d sarcastically reply, “Oh, I’ll just pay with Monopoly money!” But deep down, I knew that was…
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From Doubt to Confidence: How I Learned to Trust My Decision to Attend University
Overcoming Doubts and Making the Right Choice “I have commitment issues” – a phrase often used in relationships, but who knew it could apply to university decisions as well? That’s exactly what I went through a couple of weeks ago when I finally made the decision to commit to my research university. However, the reality…
