“Starting this next semester we will be studying the inner workings of the VR programming and using what we learn to program a fully functional VR realm for the finals. This semester will truly important overall as it has enough weight to decide your overall mark.” A balded and aged man stated as he stood addressing the students in the lecture hall.
“Additionally any and all resources need to be provided by the students themselves. The University has deem that this course already uses too many resources and has cut back on any remaining budget. Should any student feel this is unfair or unsatisfactory please lodge all complaints with the student union or the education board of trustees” The man ended his speech.
Murmurs and whispers followed as student discussed the implications of what was mention. Among the students a young man that had his head rested on the desk while waiting for the introductory class to end, whipped his head up bewildered.
“Shit” he whispered, looking around in bewilderment. He slowly stood and gathered his things, shooting out of the hall. His black hair waving as he rushed to his destination.
Walking up to a office signed Faculties Services, the youth waited in line. As his was waiting he took out his phone to check if had any notifications. Nowadays everyone used the wrist mounted communicators the next generation of smart watches although could not afford them. Nothing showing on his phone, he patiently waited in queue. Finally his turn, receptionist asked him what he wanted.
“Could I arrange a meeting with the scholarship director please?” He replied slight distressed.
“Ok. Earliest appointment is in an hour away. That ok with you?” The receptionist replied after tapping away at her holodesk.
“That’ll be great.” He replied surprised with how quickly he could meet the board.
“Right then. I need your name and student ID to book it.” she said still tapping at the keyboard.
“My name is Roddrick Grear and my ID number is G2044423R.” Roddrick answered.
“Okay that’s booked in for 2pm. Roughly 55 minutes away in the Greywald Building Office 223. Anything else?” she inquired.
“No that’ll be all thank you” Roddrick said to end the conversation and walked away to allow the next person to speak with the staff member.
Walking down the corridor, Roddrick spotted a Men’s bathroom and decided to go to wash his face and cool down a bit. Entering the bathroom he opened the tap and felt the cooling water in between his fingers before he cupped his hand and washed his face. The cooling feeling, refreshing him from his little jog to Faculty Services. Looking up at his reflection, he sighed. Looking back was a pale skinned youth no older the twenty with sharp features hidden by his shaggy black hair that now covered his eyes. Running his wet fingers through his hair revealed his bottle green eyes, a gift from his mother.
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“Fuck, this is shit. I can’t believe they would do this now in my final semester!!” Roddrick exclaimed. Letting out his pent up frustration gave him a bit of release and relaxed him. Slowly he breathed to calm down and get ready for his meeting.
Roddrick left the building to walk across campus to the Greywald Building. On the way he tried to put together a clear plan if what the needed didn’t come. Walking through the glass doors of the Greywald building and taking the elevator to the second floor toward the twenty-third office. Stopping outside, Roddrick tried to neaten his clothes and checked the time on his phone. It was currently 1:55pm, just punctual he thought to himself.
Knocking on the dark wooden door, he waited for a reply.
“Come in.” an aged voice called out from behind the door. Hearing this Roddrick slowly turned the doorknob and entered the room.
Taking a look a around it was a medium sized room with a ornate wooden L-shaped executive desk. Scattered around white wall were various certificate and pictures of award ceremonies. Sat behind the desk was a weathered older gentleman, hair whitening and wrinkle dotted around his face. He looked up to Roddrick fixing his golden rim glasses with his index finger.
“Ah yes. My 2pm, a Mr Roddrick Grear. How may I help you this fine day?” he asked with a gentle smile.
“Mr Winters, I would like to discuss the recent changes in my course and how it is going to affect my scholarship.” Roddrick replied with a bit of urgency.
“Ah yes, the budget cut on the VR course. Yes, yes, I aware of these change. They will be the same for you in regards to course material but any service such as server storage would be given at a discount of 50% and would be fully protected for your use.” Mr Winters replied.
“But I got a full scholarship and I cannot afford the extra materials. I have no savings or support.” he stressed.
“I am well aware of your situation Mr Grear but my hands are tied. The board has signed off on this and I can only apologise and try to point towards a solution.” the older man said.
“Well what do you suggest I do then. I had to leave my job to concentrate on my final year and i have no family to borrow of or an saving that I can use without starving.” Roddrick huffed feeling his anger rising.
“For now Mr Grear I suggest getting a part time job to support you. Maybe a tutoring job, tat way you can at least spend time studying while teaching.” Mr Winter said with a little thinking.
Roddrick quietened down and just breathed for a few second. His financial crisis swirling in his sub-consciousness while he tried to think of something, anything, that could help. But nothing came to mind.
“Thanks for your time Mr Winters.” Roddrick said deflated from the situation.
“Anytime Mr Grear. Anytime. I’ll keep looking for some options and contact you.” Mr Winters said hopefully.
“Thank you” Roddrick said, knowing nothing was going to come of this.
He left Mr Winters office and walked in a daze to his flat, a twenty minutes walk from the campus. Heavily breathing from the walk he entered his flat and went straight to his room not wanting to speak to his room mate. He slumped on the bed not bothering to take of his backpack and just buried his face in his pillow defeated.
“What the fuck. What should I do.” he muttered over and over again like a matra wishing this was a bad dream or a prank.
Slowly the day turned to evening and darkness crept into the room.