I’m Kayla, and yes, I applied for this one myself. I was deep in student loans, with finals looming and coffee getting cold. You know what? I needed a win.
My Situation, Real Quick
I had federal loans from undergrad and a small private one too. Interest kept nibbling. (If you’re wondering whether your own balance has tipped into the danger zone, this no-nonsense guide on how much is too much student debt breaks down the warning signs.) I worked 15–20 hours a week at the campus library, then tutored after. I tracked every dollar in a simple Google Sheet. Still, my balance felt stuck, like wet gum on a shoe.
So when I saw the Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship, I went for it. I figured, why not try for help that hits the principal, not just good vibes. (For another candid first-person account—screenshots and all—check out this write-up on trying the Charles Cheesman’s Student Debt Reduction Scholarship.)
How I Found It
A classmate sent me a screenshot from a student finance group. Then I saw a second mention on our campus aid board. Same name, same ask. That helped me trust it.
I emailed to confirm the basics. I got a reply the same day. Short. Polite. No fees. That was a good sign.
What They Asked From Me
The app felt simple, which was nice during midterms. It took me under an hour because I had files ready.
They asked for:
- A short essay (500–700 words)
- Unofficial transcript (PDF was fine)
- Proof of current loans (my loan statement)
- One reference (I used my advisor)
- Contact info and a quick budget snapshot
Here’s the thing: the essay prompt was about how debt affects my life and what I’m doing to manage it. I didn’t try to sound fancy. I wrote the truth.
I wrote about:
- Waking up for 6 a.m. shifts at the cafe on Thursdays
- Paying interest each month so it wouldn’t balloon (If you’re torn between smashing the loan or funneling cash into the market, this perspective on paying off student loans vs. investing is worth a skim.)
- Calling my loan servicer to confirm my grace period
- Cutting streaming for three months to save $27
- That bus ride where I cried behind big sunglasses (it happens)
It wasn’t pretty. It was mine.
The Timeline (Because Waiting Is The Worst)
I sent my app in late March. I heard back about two months later. First came a “you’re in final review” email. Then a “you’ve been selected” email. The award didn’t hit my bank; it went straight to my loan servicer. I got a receipt from them, and I saw my principal dip a bit. Not magic. But real.
It posted a few weeks after the award email. I checked my account like a hawk. Refresh, refresh, refresh. Then boom—lower balance.
What I Liked
- Clear essay prompt. No trick questions.
- No fee. If they ask you to pay, run.
- Fast replies to questions. Even during finals week.
- Payment went right to my loan. Less stress for me. (If your bigger goal is owning a place of your own, see how one borrower used Illinois Student Debt Help to buy a home without derailing her budget.)
- They cared about real life, not just perfect GPAs.
Also, the tone was kind. You can feel when folks get it. These folks got it. In fact, the scholarship is backed by the Cheesman family, longtime advocates for easing the student debt burden.
What Bugged Me
- Not many slots. It’s competitive.
- The instructions were spread over two PDFs. I hate hunting for line 12 on page 3.
- My reference got a follow-up form, and it landed in spam. We almost missed it.
- The award size wasn’t clear until the end. I wish they shared a range up front.
I also worried it might be a scam at first. The emails looked plain. No fancy logo. But every answer checked out, and they never asked for odd info. I still did my due diligence.
A Real Example From My Essay
I closed with this line: “I don’t want my future kids to watch me say no to groceries at checkout. I want to breathe.” Simple. True. I think that helped.
Tips If You Want To Try
- Gather your docs first:
- Loan statement that shows account number and balance
- Unofficial transcript
- Your FAFSA Student Aid Report, if you have it
- A simple monthly budget (rent, food, bus pass, etc.)
- Write like you talk. Honest beats fancy.
- Ask one person to proofread. I used my roommate. She caught a date mix-up.
- Keep copies in one folder. I used Google Drive.
- Set calendar pings for all steps, especially if your reference gets a form.
For deeper guidance on spotting legit scholarships and mapping out a repayment game plan, I leaned on Occupy Student Debt — their plain-language checklists are gold.
Thinking About Side Hustles?
Some classmates explored unconventional ways to earn extra cash for loan payments—everything from dog-walking to joining adult-friendly dating platforms. If you’re curious about testing that latter route, you can browse local profiles at FuckLocal’s girls directory — the site shows who’s nearby and open to meet-ups, letting you decide if a flexible, arrangement-based side gig could help you knock out interest faster. Another surprisingly effective option for quick social connection and potential networking is attending speed-dating meet-ups in nearby Phoenixville—events that last an hour or two and cost less than a textbook. You can scan upcoming sessions at One Night Affair’s Phoenixville speed-dating calendar to see dates, age ranges, and ticket prices; if nothing else, you’ll walk away with new contacts and a low-stress break from spreadsheets.
Who This Fits
- Grads or seniors with real loan balances
- Folks already making small payments or planning to
- People who can share a true story, not a brochure
If you don’t have loans yet, this one may not fit. That sounds harsh. But it’s focused.
Did It Help?
Yes. It didn’t erase my debt. But it clipped some principal and gave me a push. It felt like someone grabbed the heavy side of the box for a minute so I could catch my breath. That alone was worth it.
Final Word
I’d apply again. I’d tell a friend to apply too—if they’re ready to be open, send clean docs, and follow through. Always confirm details, and never pay a fee. But if you’re juggling classes, work shifts, and that slow crawl of interest, this can help in a real way.
And hey, if you’re reading this with a cold coffee in hand, I see you. Take a deep breath. Save the forms in one folder. Write the essay like you mean it. Then hit submit.