I took three college classes towards my Bachelor of Science in Nursing this fall. The hospital where I work has a tuition reimbursement program. I finished my classes, getting A+’s in all three classes. I then filled out the paperwork for my employer, and turned it in. Here is what they said I needed to turn in:

1. The completed Tuition Reimbursement Form
2. A copy of my detailed account statement
3. My grades (C or better)
4. Supporting documentation of any financial aid I have received, if applicable.

I sent them: the completed form, a copy of my account statement showing the tuition that was charged to me, a copy of my grades, and a sheet stating I didn’t get any financial aid this semester. Then I sat back and waited for the money to appear in my checking account so I could pay my school bill and register for more classes for next semester.

I got a phone call yesterday from them saying they needed another piece of information. I called them this morning, and they said I need to get them a receipt from the university showing how I paid for the classes. I said, “I haven’t paid yet. I’m waiting for you to pay me so I can pay for these classes I’ve already taken.” She said, “Sir, it’s a tuition reimbursement, not a tuition advance.” I said, “Yes, but I am not asking for money before I take the classes, I am asking after I’ve taken the classes. I’m not asking for money to pay for classes I haven’t taken yet.”

I think I have the legal grounds to sue them to get the money, since the requirements for the program don’t say anything about providing proof of payment. I’ve literally given them every single thing the documentation says I need to, but they are assuming things based on the title of the program that aren’t required according to the documentation. She actually told me that “maybe we need to tweak the requirements to state that applicants need to show proof of payment.” I said, “If you need to tweak it, then you agree it doesn’t currently require it.” Nope. So yes, I could sue them for the $2000, but since I would be suing the place where I work, it would be like killing the golden goose.

So here I sit. Unless I get a check in the next three hours for $2000 from some unknown source, I will not get my “tuition reimbursement.’ Since I will not get that, I can’t pay for this semester. And since I cannot pay for this semester, I will not be able to register for classes next semester. Do you ever have that feeling where you can’t decide if you want to cry or throw something? What’s the margin between anger and sorrow? Isn’t it interesting how they are so closely connected? I guess God is going to have to provide some other way. Maybe He doesn’t want me to get my BSN? I don’t know.