I am writing in regards to a situation I have encountered at Mesa College. I am a student this Fall semester, and like many, applied for financial aid. I was eligible for grants and financial assistance in which I qualified, although getting the money has been the hardest part. I was told the financial aid process would take up to six weeks once all information and necessary documents have been received. I turned everything in and began to wait for my award letter. I had called several times to check the status of my application and never once spoke with a real person or received a call back. I left multiple messages, yet still no response. I then decided to go into the office. Since then, I have checked with my financial aid advisor four times, and we are almost halfway through the semester and I am still waiting on my award letter and most importantly my check. I understand that there have been many budget cuts and the school is low on staff, but this process has been grueling and frustrating. This money is crucial to my education, and I am dependent on the small amount I qualified for. I have waited longer than expected as the process has been much more difficult than I had ever expected and my personal experience with the financial aid office has been anything but pleasant.