Hello everyone! My name is Autumn Thomas and I am a rising senior at the University of San Diego. This past spring semester I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Rome, and I had the time of my life. Before I left to study abroad, I was reassured by my university’s financial aid office and international center that all funds would be covered. Since being back home for the summer I have been made aware that the school in Italy expected a direct payment from me regarding room and board of $5,550, a total I was informed would be paid by my home institution. The school in Rome is now refusing to send my transcripts and USD has told me that this is out of their hands.

I am an independent student who has relied heavily on scholarships, grants, financial aid, and odd jobs to get myself through undergrad, and due to an incident that burdened my family, the single parent who raised us unable to help me pay for my schooling.

This is very hard for me because I am not one to ask for help, nor have I ever wanted to feel like a burden. This is my final year in school and I would appreciate any and all help to get me through this difficult time.