Gemotions

He whistled a jaunty tune as he walked across the quad, the scholarship confirmation burning a hole in his pocket. For weeks, Mark had scrimped and saved, working three jobs to make ends meet, and now, he’d been given an immense gift. The weight of his financial burdens was lifted, and a new world was opening. He pictured himself easily making friends, finding the time to join the debate team, and finally getting the chance to truly explore his potential.

He imagined the freedom to focus on his studies, the ability to join clubs, to eat in the cafeteria without agonizing over costs. He had a newfound lightness to his step. He could finally breathe.

A summons to the financial aid office shattered his day. Inside, a stern-faced woman with tightly pulled-back hair gestured to the letter on her desk. His stomach turned, his smile vanished, and the world seemed to dim.