Natasha: Coming Of Age

Settling In

The campus buzzed with activity as new students and their families scurried between buildings, carrying boxes and bags

I stood in the middle of the quad, clutching my mind, trying to remember my way back.

"Shit, i was busy gossiping with my sister while escorting her back to the car now i can't find my way back".

feeling a mix of exhilaration and anxiety. This was it-my new home for the next four years.

After a few moments of gathering my mind, I spotted my dorm building, a red-brick structure with ivy climbing up its walls.

Taking a deep breath, I made my way inside, where a cheerful resident assistant greeted me. A third year student of Mass Communication.

"Hi there!, Welcome to Maple Hall," she said, handing me a key and a packet of information on the dorm's rules and regulation.

"Thanks dear", i said as i smiled back at her.

" what room are you in, she asked.

"Room 6 on the third floor, i replied.

" Ohh! am just coming from your room and your roommate mentioned you went to see yur family off".

"Yeah, my sis insisted on that", i said trying to be friendly.

"According to my sis", college is all about making friends cause thats the easiest way to cope with stress and the weekends more juicer after going through a rough academic week.

" Okay, and i believe you can find your way back to yur room", she said walking pass me as she brushed my shoulder in a friendly way.

"Of course, but you didn't mentioned your name", i said turning back to face her.

" Claire, the resident attendant and yours".

"Natasha, Nice to meet you" i said extending my hand for a shake.

"The pleasure is mine, i have to get going, still have a lot to do" she said as she bid me farewell and walk through the hallway to welcome other new students.

As i walked through the narrow hallway leading to my room, the sound of laughter and chatter echoed through the hall as other students settled into their new spaces. Reaching my door, i paused for a moment before unlocking the door.

"Hey roomie, where have you been. was thinking that maybe you can't find your way back" Jennie said as she picked up the rest of her books from the floor and arranged them to the shelf above her reading table.

"Kind of, but i was with the resident assistant, she gave me my own door key and regulations booklet"

"Okay she actually came by, she said sitting down on her bed".

"Gosh! am so cream-creakered and ready to drop, i exclamate while looking down my belongings yet to be arraneged".

" Dont worry, you will surely cross the bridge, Jennie said with a smile as she lay on her back".

"Thanks for the advice i responded as i smiled back at her.

As I began to arrange my belongings, Jennie chatted animatedly about campus life, and her bucket list

Her extremely friendliness was contagious, and I found myself starting to relax.

"So, where are you from?" Jennie asked, plopping down on her bed

"Just a small town a few hours away," I replied.

"What about you?"

"Chicago," she said. "Big city girl, but I wanted a change of pace. I think we're going to have a great time here.

" Of course i replied with a smile, expressing how excited i am to be here finally."

Her optimism was reassuring. As we continued to talk, I felt the initial apprehension of the morning begin to fade.

This was the start of something new and, I hoped, it will be as i had pictured it.

The rest of the day was a blur of activity. picked up our student IDs, and explored the campus.

By evening, I was exhausted but exhilarated. I lay in bed that night, listening to the sounds of the dorm around me, feeling a mix of emotions-homesickness, anticipation, and a hint of fear.

But above all, I felt a sense of possibility. This was my chance to start fresh, to discover who I was and who I wanted to be.

As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but smile. Tomorrow was a new day, and it was full of potential.