Help Hailey finish school

My name is Hailey Rounsaville, I am (or was) a senior at American University. As some of you know, I’ve been struggling to resolve a debt with AU for five years now. This debt – totaling $22,682.89 as of January 24th 2023 – has proven an insurmountable barrier to completing my college education and receiving my degree. It has caused myself and my family immense grief, and put my life and career on hold for over half a decade.

I attended AU from 2014-2018, pursuing a degree in Anthropology and History, until I was forced to drop out due to financial difficulties and the university’s unwillingness to accommodate health issues I was struggling with. American University’s refusal to approve a withdrawal/medical leave of absence for a semester I was in documented treatment, out of state and unable to attend classes in any capacity, means that I was stuck with a $20,000 bill for a semester that I did not attend. Despite repeatedly petitioning every department involved, providing extensive documentation, personal letters, assistance from lawyers, etc. AU refuses to budge and has maintained this debt is “valid.” This outstanding balance has prevented me from resuming work towards the final stages of my degree, holding 4 years’ worth of hard-earned credits hostage. I cannot receive my official transcript to transfer, and ultimately graduate, until this debt is paid.

I know how much everyone is struggling right now. But I have a limited window (until June) in which I can transfer to a university where I qualify for reduced tuition. Getting this bill paid within the next few months is my last and only shot at completing my decade-long journey of getting my degree, and pursuing my dream of working as a historian and educator. Those who know me know my passion for history is my north star. Even without a degree I’ve been published in books including a NYT bestseller, created educational resources and organized in my community, and earned scholarships to travel the world and share and develop those ideas with colleagues turned lifelong friends. Despite the barriers in place I’ve managed to make an impact. The thought of what I can achieve once I finally get *that* piece of paper fills me with hope and determination.

I don’t expect our goal to be met, but any amount we can raise will be a huge burden off of myself and my family. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for taking the time to hear my story, and thank you for your support.

Hailey