Don't Delay: Submit your FAFSA now!

“Watch your deadlines,” financial advisor Donna Fulton said.

Since Jan. 1, 2016, the 2016-17 FAFSA has opened up to students around the country. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid helps provide grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school. With 22 million applications expected to be submitted, the importance of filing early is crucial.

“Never assume anything is correct,” said Fulton, a financial advisor at Linn-Benton Community College. 

Fulton encourages anyone with financial aid questions to come to the financial aid office located in Takena Hall.  There are specific drop-in hours throughout the week.

“Your age, race, or field of study won’t affect your eligibility for federal student aid,” according to the FAFSA website. “While your income is taken in consideration, it does not automatically prevent you from getting federal aid.”

Certain factors that determine your eligibility include obtaining a high school diploma or GED, U.S. citizenship, and maintaining a satisfactory academic progress. An entire list of eligibility requirements can be found on their website. 

“Filing the wrong year,” said Fulton is a common mistake students make. Since the 2015-16 FAFSA does not close until Jun 30, 2016, two applications remain open.

Another common mistake, Fulton has noticed, includes decimal points. Adding decimal points in the income portion of the FAFSA can change $100 into $100,000. Reading the student aid report can help detect any mistakes in your FAFSA. The student aid report can be found after you’ve submitted your FAFSA.   

Applying for the FAFSA can be completed on their website fafsa.gov. Financial advisors discourage using a preparer, a person who charges a fee to fill out your FAFSA, because of the unnecessary cost.  

"That’s why we have the drop-in hours," said Fulton.

"Filling out the FAFSA can be nerve wrecking," said dual enrolled student Elizabeth Hernandez. "My advice would be to ask a teacher or someone you feel connected to, and ask them to help you fill out the FAFSA"

With a variety of deadlines coming up, it's important to add the FAFSA to your list. 

"It's really important for students to communicate with their teacher or counselors to make sure they have the proper tools to be successful" said Hernandez.


AT A GLANCE

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid has opened up.
• Common Mistake include decimal points and filing the wrong year.
• FA advisors are located in Takena Hall. 
• Watch for deadlines!
• Receive loans, grants and works study through FAFSA. 

Kristi Treichler: The fifth year student

Waking up at 3:30 a.m., Kristi Treichler prepares for her 19-hour day. The smell of coffee wakes her up as she prepares for her 4:30 a.m. shift at Starbucks. 

Her dog Lola watches as she walks out the door.  Treichler is picked up by a familiar face, a co-worker, sparing her the dark early morning walk to work. 

Like most college students, Treichler is met with stress and sleep deprivation. The long day ahead of her does not alter her angelic personality.   

“I’m only taking 13 or 14 credits a term,” Treichler said.

Study the night away

Treichler graduated Corvallis High School in June 2015. Her post high school plan was to attend Linn-Benton Community College. 

Taking advantage of the fifth-year program, Treichler began her studies the following fall at LBCC.

“Before I was in the fifth-year program, I was in running start [in high school], which they’re actually the same thing. The school district helps you, well completely, pays for tuition and textbooks,” said Treichler. “It’s really helping me have a full year to figure out what I want to do.”  

“I see Kristi working as a nurse in 10 years,” said Randi Cook, a co-worker of Treichler’s.

Treichler is currently on a path towards becoming a medical assistant. Her future, however, is not set in stone. With interests in business and communication, her doors are still open.

“I’m taking some computer classes, and that’s nothing like I’ve taken before, like I always just take reading, writing, and math," Treichler said. "It also made me realize other strengths I didn't know I had. I can type really fast!"

Rambunctious Resume 

“It’s honestly my favorite job that I’ve had,” said Treichler. 

Treichler's job at Starbucks began about a year and two months ago.  Beginning as a caretaker, Treichler worked in a variety of jobs from a Chinese restaurant, to KFC. She even has experience working in the theatre department at Corvallis High School. 

“She is really driven,” said Shelby Weiland, a close friend of Treichler’s. “She does what she needs to do, whether she really wants to or not."

“I believe Kristi’s strongest quality is her compassion. She cares so much for everyone she meets,” said Cook.   

"If Kristi wasn’t in my life, I wouldn’t take on things that make me so uncomfortable,” said Weiland. “I wouldn’t have done the fifth year program if she wasn’t in it also.” 
 
After taking some time off, Treichler has managed to fit in both work and school, a struggle most students are facing today. Working about a 20-hour week shift, she's learned her body's need for rest. 

Outside of school and work, Treichler enjoys the simplest parts of life. 

"I love watching Netflix," said Treichler. Her passions include baking and relaxing.  Her dog Lola comforts her as she takes advantage of any day off. 


The Future Ahead

Once Treichler's morning shift ends at 10 a.m., she prepares for class right after. 

With work and grades constantly on her mind, her driven personality paves the way for a bright future.  

“Stay dedicated because the fifth-year program is an amazing opportunity. It is saving you so much money, and it is such a good introduction to college,” said Treichler.  "I've gotten stronger as a person."

At a Glance

• Name: Kristi Nicole Treichler
• Age: 19
• Education: Corvallis High School, Linn Benton Community College
• Job History: Stated off as a caretaker, then moved on to a Chinese restaurant, KFC, Corvallis High School and now Starbucks. 
• Goals: Work in a health field, either as a medical assistant or in a office type environment.