Sierra Shields

Iowa State University

Sierra says that school was always an escape from a rough home life and that she viewed earning a college degree as a way to make a better future for herself. The Pell Grant has allowed her to limit the amount of debt she takes on and to focus more on school and her academic progress. Her goal is to pursue a career in student affairs and leadership in higher education, saying she wants to ease the transition of first-generation students while also ensuring that higher education is accessible to individuals from all walks of life.

#DoublePell would further relieve the financial burden she and so many students face.

“Being a full-time student while balancing a steady job can be challenging and doubling the Pell Grant would allow me to focus on my academics more than ever before. This financial relief would have impacts on every single part of my life. I could focus on school more, obtain better grades, have more free time for my mental and physical well-being, and ease the stress that comes along with additional debt.”