I have a friend that recieved a full ride to school from federal aid. He was fired from his last two jobs. He didn't graduate from college the first time. He hasn't worked full time in 5 years. I started working when I turned 16. I've been working at least 1 job since. Most the time two jobs. I have never been fired from a company. I've been hired back to two different companys twice. Graduated from college with a computer degree. Have always wanted to fly, but for obvious reasons it's VERY expensive. I now have a son and wife who I love more than anything. So, I won't take out loans to pursue my dream. Today my dream was stomped on by financial aid. I recieved my letter from my fafsa. I was denied federal grants because of my income. I am going to still try and achieve my dream, but it's going to take a very long time to do. I did apply for scholarships, but they wouldn't even add up to enough if I did recieve them. That's a big IF in that I would be competing with hundreds of others. I will just have to save my hundred bucks a month until I can afford it myself. This isn't a sympathy post! I just need to rant a bit about how unfair the award system is. I hope that when I'm gone from the earth that I can have enough of an account built up that I can help with someone else's dreams.