Everywhere, we are told college is available for everyone.

The truth is, it isn't. We can no longer claim our son on our federal taxes, yet his ability to afford college is based on our federal tax return.

He has not lived at home in over a year. In fact, he has lived in another state for over a year and been self-supportive. He can't draw any kind of income through social services because he hasn't had a child and because he's single. He doesn't make enough income as a waiter, however, to pay for tuition.

My child's high school career was traumatic in every way. Even with his legal 504 plan in place, his accomodations were not enforced. His one connection with school, an excellent soccer player, was taken away due to poor grades which were due to his having ADHD. We all knew that. He finally had enough. I finally had enough. We all finally had enough. At 16, he walked in to our local community college and obtained his GED.

Now, this very bright young man, who has chosen not succomb to drugs, not to give up on life but to the contrary, insists on his dream of becoming a doctor--no matter the time or the effort. Yet this child cannot get the financial assistance he needs in order to simply begin his journey at a technical college.