Finally Found Me (Campus Horizon Series #1)

Chapter 1

"Insights"

The brisk chill of dawn was a stark reminder of the early hour. My alarm rang shrill, piercing the stillness of the darkened dorm room. It was 4 a.m., and as the haze of sleep receded, I was jolted awake, my mind instantly shifting gears from the comfort of my bed to the demands of the day ahead. My classes started early, at 6:30 a.m., and the bus to take us there would arrive promptly at 5:30 a.m. The routine was rigorous, but it was a necessary rhythm to my new life in the city.

As I stumbled out of bed, the familiar hum of city life began to filter through the thin walls of the dormitory. It was a stark contrast to the serene quiet of the province I had left behind. The aroma of coffee and the distant clattering of dishes from the dining area reminded me of the world I had recently joined, a world that was both exhilarating and overwhelming.

I had spent only a few days in the city since starting college, and the transition from the slower-paced provincial life to the fast-moving city had been jarring. I missed the gentle rustle of leaves, the morning mist, and the subtle scents of nature that had been a part of my everyday life back home.

"Annie! Are you awake?" A voice boomed through the dorm walls. It was Cath, whose presence was as commanding as her voice. I quickly realized I had become accustomed to her loud morning greetings. Her energy was almost palpable, a sharp contrast to the serene mornings of my past.

"Yeah, I'm up!" I called back, my voice still thick with sleep. I gathered my things and made my way to the dining area where the other six dormmates were already congregated.

Our dorm was expansive, accommodating all seven of us with ease. It was a luxurious setup compared to some, featuring four rooms, with mine being the only single. The other six shared the remaining rooms, each with their unique personality that, while sometimes challenging, made for a lively and dynamic living environment.

There was Gennie, with her adventurous spirit. Gennie had a knack for turning the mundane into an adventure, from finding hidden gems in the city to exploring new hobbies. Her enthusiasm was contagious, and despite the early hour, her energy was infectious. She was already bustling about, preparing for the day with a zest that almost made waking up at this ungodly hour seem exciting.

Elexis, on the other hand, was the epitome of organization. Her room was a marvel of neatness, each item meticulously placed. She thrived on structure and schedules, and her methodical approach to life was a source of both admiration and envy. As I entered the kitchen, I could see her already arranging her breakfast with precision, making sure every detail was perfect.

Katie was effortlessly laid-back, embodying a relaxed attitude that seemed almost Zen. She was the type who took life as it came, rarely flustered by the chaos around her. Her presence was a calming one, and as she sipped her coffee, she greeted me with a serene smile that contrasted sharply with Cath's exuberance.

Crystie had a touch of artistic introspection. Her presence was quieter, but her creative spirit was always bubbling beneath the surface. She often spent hours in her room, working on various artistic projects. This morning, she was lost in thought, her sketchbook open beside her as she worked on her latest piece, adding a touch of artistry to our otherwise utilitarian morning routine.

Gay was thoughtful and quiet, a person of few words but deep reflections. Her calm demeanor was a counterbalance to the more vivacious personalities in the dorm. She preferred to observe rather than engage, but when she spoke, her words were always insightful. This morning, she was quietly preparing her breakfast, her movements gentle and measured.

Cath, our unofficial ringleader, was already in high spirits, her energy bouncing off the walls. She was the first to get ready each day, and her enthusiasm for starting the day was both admirable and a bit overwhelming. She had a way of making everything seem like an adventure, even the mundane tasks of our daily routine.