You made walking easy

Open Day, Open Opportunities

Alex POV

Today is finally the day that I see Washington state and the courses I've been offered. I'm excited but so nervous. It's a big change again and let's face it, a few years ago, I wouldn't have dreamt of finding something I love and actually pursuing it.

It's now about 8 am and mom is already driving me crazy. She's been up since 4am, had her run and now seems to be packing a bag for what I can presume is for a weeks supply. Of course, she has made the food herself as she doesn't want me to get used to the "eating unhealthy food all the time" aspect of college life. I know this is her anxiety and when it hits, the whole micromanaging thing comes out. Last night, I overheard her asking mama what she should wear today.

-

We've just gone through admissions and have been giving a few different things like a map and some free stuff that Mom has instantly pushed into her already full bag. I can't help but chuckle at the obvious stress lines presenting on her face.

"Right so if we go this way we can get to the first talk. I've already researched your lectures and would really like to talk to them about what their expectations are as educators. Let's go!" Mom says all too enthusiastically. I don't know why I didn't expect her to research everything about this college, but let's remember it's how she works.

-

"Hi, would you like to find a seat somewhere in our auditorium. Here's some papers we would like you to fill out, any involvement is encouraged" A frail old woman croaks towards us, as we enter a large room. I whisper a thank you before I am pulled by mom to the very front of the auditorium.

"Okay, let's fill out all of this paperwork now so it doesn't interrupt the main talk. Let me just get out both of our notebooks as well so that we can take notes throughout the talk" Mom orders as she starts to get ready.

As the talk started, I was getting more and more excited for what could be my future. The talk was led by Professor Watkins, and definitely tried to keep us all involved with asking if there's any questions and having small pop quizzes. A few times, I had to stop mom from putting her hand up. The talk was about journalistic writing, which is what I would like to go into. We found out that Washington State has a connection to The Washington Times, so if we do well in our degree, we could be set for life.

-

"How did you find that, al?" Mom asked me as we left the auditorium.

"I think this is where I should be. I loved the talk" I exclaimed, almost jumping for joy which is so not how I would usually act.

"I'm glad you love it. I liked the format of the lectures and Professor Watkins seems to have all the knowledge you could ask for. Do you want to go to other talks?" Mom asked.

"I'm really happy with going into journalism, the other talks are all on creative writing which sounds like too much brain power. Could be go and see what the soccer pitches look like?" I ask.

"Of course," Mom replies, as she takes out the map and directs us in the right direction.

-

"Wow, I didn't think it would be an actual stadium. Look at the turf, it's so well maintained and all the lines are so clear! I can definitely see myself playing here" I say as we take in the view of the pitch from one of the levels of the stadium.

"Hi, are you thinking of joining our soccer team? I thought I would introduce myself, I am Coach Ashley" A voice slightly alarms both of us.

"Hi, I don't know if I want to take soccer to the next level but this stadium is beautiful." I reply back