Dad of 3 Going Back to School for a Better Future

Aim

To finally accomplish my Goal and acheive my Bacholars degree that Ive been wishing to acheive for years.

Hi,  I don't know exactly where to start, but I guess the beginning would be best. My name is Shawn, and I am a full-time IT specialist and a martial artist.  I've dedicated everything in my power to learning all that I can, no matter the field of expertise, from doing small things around the house to doing large installation projects for major companies. Even though at times I don't get much, just the joy knowing that I was able to help someone is enough for me. I have over 30 years of computer repair experience, and I'm always asked to help. and being the person that my father raised, I always do what I can.  It's never about the money. If I have it, I will open my hands to give it.   

 Over the past decade, I've been on the search for how to make some money to get back into school. But as life would have it, I've always had to put the funds into something else, or someone would need help, and that comes first to me. 

Ultimately, I have been looking into getting a better job to decrease my financial hardships. I've even dipped into my retirement to pay a lawyer to file for bankruptcy.  It wasn't an easy decision nor a cheap one, but when helping or depending on others to hold their weight doesn't go as planned, the only person to blame is yourself.  After all that was said and done, I netted myself in debt over 90k. From a business venture that went from lucrative to being a victim of embezzlement, to joint ventures for timeshares that fail due to other parties.  

I've done what I could to stay afloat, even downsized my living to cut back as many bills as possible.  But it's hard to think about even going back to school when you're drowning in regular bills.  

On the side, I teach Brazilian jiujitsu to many people. I have had the liberty to be a part of an amazing organization that has events in Tampa and Canada every year.  They are like my family. I train at my local gym 3 days a week and try my best to display the best characteristics that any Black belt should display on or off the mat.  I pride myself on being honest and forthcoming to any and every student that i come in contact with.  I've had the honor to teach at seminars around the world because of it and met the most interesting people because of it over the years.  

It's a known fact that any gym that I get into ( new or old) the kids will always attack me.  It's just a thing that I have and gained over the years, and I pride myself on making the spaces safe for all kids.  

Ahhh> with all that being said. The whole reason for this project is that I am trying to get my degree to get a better job to put my daughters and myself in a better life than what we have currently. I know it's achievable as I am mostly done with my BA degree and partly through my master's degree. I just fell short on funds during my time in school and never recovered from it.  

I thank you for listening ( reading) my story and hope that you continue to have a  blessed day.   

Thank you
- Shawn

This project closed unsuccessfully on 13th November 2025