Legally Blind Man Seeks College Grant Help For MTSU Computer Degree

by Eddie Lee Cooper II
(Gainsboro, TN, USA)

Hello! My name is Eddie Cooper II. I am legally blind, 33 years old, male, and single.

All I want is a family and a good career like the one that has been denied me for so many years.

The work force, despite all effort has no tolerance for limitations. I received my GED late last year and I must have the same means as others who have adequate physical requirements.

I am devoted and began studying C++ off YouTube for a while now. I'm desperate for an education that will give me the skill necessary to excel.

I've been dreaming of MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University), which is so close but yet to my dismay, so far away.

I draw SSI and disability. My income is $700 dollars a month. This is barely enough to live on in this economy and inflation, let alone to achieve my goals of raising a family.

Is this all life has to offer? Did I do something wrong to have to live like this? It feels as if even God doesn't hear me sometimes. For whatever reason, I'm sorry!

I put my foot in the door with my GED and despite my pride and shame for asking (I feel that I shouldn't have had to ask), I'm asking. Please help.

I'm legally blind. I have 20/200 vision in my good right eye and 20/400 in my bad left eye. Transportation is quite difficult. I found that dependence on others to take me to work is asking for failure.

Light hurts my eyes. I have no peripheral vision. I have been this way all of my life.

The economy is flawed. I live off an income of $700 a month SSI and disability. I have my driver's license due to the BiOptic lens program; however, I cannot drive in the rain or snow, so there goes a job.

I take no meds, and some things are just not accessible to me.

I have worked in fast food, construction laborer, factory and odd jobs. It seems that my employers have all agreed that they feel this or that job or career may not suit me, so they say.

I would love to work at home in computers or at least earn enough with computers to where I can relocate to a closer job.

I would love a college grant for MTSU. I have strong faith in their school. I know they have the tools I need to live… not to just get by but to LIVE.

I've had all I can take of my pride trying to work jobs that I am unable. I will bite the bullet so to speak and accept that I require help. I can't pay for college.