Summer Term

The next day I show Taran around Fort Collins. We stop by the university so I can pick up my books. First, we go to the library so I can print off the list of materials I need. But when I log in to view my class it shows there is a hold on my account and I can’t access my classes. Taran follows close behind as we make our way to the bursar's office.

My heart is racing, everything is paid, what could possibly be the problem? I finally get someone behind the counter. The woman appears to be in her mid-forties and her expression shows she would rather do anything but help me. It takes about ten minutes before she finally finds the problem. In a monotone voice, the woman tells me, “You have a balance on your summer courses. In order to start classes this month, you need to pay your balance of $5,550.”

My face pales. I don’t have that much money. “No, there must be a mistake. The balance for summer was paid in full before I went to Europe. I wo