Life as a Online Student

I started attending Kaplan University on August 5, 2009.  I was thrilled and excited to finally be back in school.  I knew things would be difficult because I didn't have kids and wasn't married when I first attended college right after high school.  However, I've managed to survive three terms and working on my fourth.  Sadly, I think this may be my last term here at Kaplan.

During my first term, I had a wonderful professor by the name of Professor Eastwood.  She was such a kind person and opened your eyes to things that you may have closed your eyes too because you didn't want to face them.  This hit home too me because even though it has been, almost, five years since my son had been born, I still blamed myself for his early birth.  It was my fault for my screwed up uterus or maybe I shouldn't have drank so much caffeine or just maybe I walked too much.  Silly things you might think, but just last year I took myself to the doctor and I finally decided to out myself.  I really didn't have to say too much as the Lieutenant saw right through me.  I was diagnosed with postpartum depression.  After the birth of Aiden, birth of my daughter, then getting pregnant with my 3rd child six short months after just giving birth, the move to Alabama by myself and now the move to Washington; it all took its toll on me.  I don't think I would of broke down like I did and get help if it weren't for Professor Eastwood's class.  She is a wonderful instructor and has sweet presence that walks into your life.  For her, I will forever be grateful.

Since the beginning I have always had problems with the financial aid department here at Kaplan.  My first term they changed my financial officer because he messed my account up and I ended up with a credit on my account.  My new financial officer refuses to contact me.  I have contacted him day after day with no response.  They have called my home every single day since April 18, 2010 at which I have been keeping a log; they are breaking the Federal Debt Collection Laws.  Unlike them I can do my math.  My loans and Pell Grant hasn't been sent to the school so, therefore, they are harassing me about it.  The last bill statement they sent me showed that my bill was due on April 30, 2010.  I paid them $100 on April 21, 2010.  Is that considered late to them?  Why are they still harassing me even on weekends and before 9am?  For this, it has turned me away from this school.  Sure I shouldn't say the whole school is bad because of one bad department but I'm not the only one that feels this way.  There are loads of complaints against Kaplan through several states Attorney General's office all having to do with Kaplan's financial department.

One thing I do know for certain, the problems here at Kaplan will not stop me from getting my degree and finally doing something I love.  I will succeed with or without them.