Hello Friends! As many of you know, I am halfway through the nursing program at a local community college, set to graduate in June of 2023!

Many times, I have shared how much I love my nursing program, the instructors, my cohort who have become like a second family, and how I have found a love for nursing! I have also been very fortunate to receive multiple scholarships that, with financial aid, have covered this last year of schooling.

However, this last week has thrown me a curveball that I never saw coming.

I found out that I was overpaid in my financial aid last quarter... roughly short of $3000. ($2,597 to be exact) The school has now put a hold on my school account and will not let me register for future classes, meaning I can not move forward in the program until it is paid back.

Like most college students... that money is long gone... and was used to support my family, my future career, and to pay for books, supplies, and transportation to and from school.

You may be asking, what about the incoming scholarships I have shared? Well, I wondered that as well. The simple answer I was given by the financial aid department was that, because my account is on hold, they will treat it as an "inactive" student and return the money coming in from scholarships, unless the amount is paid before the scholarships arrive, and I can register for classes. (This is policy and also very specific based on the rules applied to scholarships)

So essentially, until I can come up with the money, I cannot move forward in the program nor accept the scholarships that I have been awarded.

I have talked to the program Dean, who is not getting clear answers but has assured me that my spot in the program is secured; I have to figure out how to register for the following classes.

I have talked to advising and financial aid and have sent many emails to cashiering... conveniently, every time I speak to someone, I get referred to someone else who is conveniently not there or available.

I am requesting a payment plan, but thus far, I have been told, "I can make payments, but my account will remain on hold until it is paid in full." So, here I am now... humbly asking for help.

I am beyond defeated and do not know what to do at this point; I know we all have our problems, so I don't want to make a big deal, and I am beyond embarrassed at the idea of posting this. However, with the encouragement of my fantastic cohort, here I am.

Thanks for your time and support.