Arrival in Colorado
Amy was nervous as she rode the commercial Greyhound bus into Fort Collins, Colorado on a sunny June afternoon near the campus of Colorado State University. She had accepted a summer term scholarship to study equine science, even though she had turned down a full scholarship to study there over 1 year ago.
Her grandfather Jack had willing let Amy take the 3 months of June, July and August off from Heartland to test the academic waters so to speak. Even the rest of the family and Ty had encouraged Amy to take advantage of the opportunity. Room and board were paid for at Colorado State and Amy would study with a renowned equine animal health professor from Switzerland - a Brigitta Erhardt.
Amy's bus pulled up to the stop on College Avenue and she unloaded her bags and equipment just as Brigitta pulled up with her SUV. She hoped out and strode over to Amy. "Hello. Ms. Fleming?"
Amy said, "Professor Erhardt?", relieved that she was being greeted by no mere stranger in this large town and sprawling campus. Amy was a little uneasy about living in an urban setting in the dormitories.
"Great to meet you Amy. I will be helping you get settled in your dorm room."
"Thanks. I am not used to living in such a place. I have spent my entire 19 years living on a ranch near Hudson and I'm find this a bit unnerving."
"Well, let's give it a try", as they loaded Amy's bags into the SUV and drove over to the ladies dormitory on the west side of campus. The view of the foothills and mountains to the west made Amy feel better.
Amy moved herself into the dorm room, which already had belongings unpacked by someone else. Later that evening, a knock came at the dorm room door. In walked a roommate.
"Hi there, I'm Katie and I'm from New York."
"Hi. My name is Amy and I'm from Alberta."
"WOW, someone from outside the states. What brings you to CSU?"
"I have a summer scholarship in the equine program here. And you?"
"I am taking some remedial business courses and partying as much as possible. Your welcome to join me and tear up the town Amy."
Amy became uneasy, as she was not a party girl. Having a roommate that was wild and irresponsible was not what Amy had hoped for to get a good summer start.
"Katie - um, I will probably be fairly busy with the course load and horses at the equine center. Not sure I will have time to party much".
"No problem. I am throwing on my miniskirt and tank top and going looking for boy toys." Within 10 minutes, Katie was gone to find the party scene in Old Town Fort Collins.
Amy felt lonely sitting at her dorm desk and popped open her laptop computer to write Soraya and Ty emails about her experience so far. She finished her emails, trying to sound positive about the experience thus far. Amy had a hard time even writing a convincing email.
Amy ended the email to Ty with the following words.
"I miss working the horses and having you help me.
Yours truly, Amy".
Amy turned in early, lying in bed thinking whether she made the right choice coming to CSU for the summer.