I graduated from the elite secondary school at the age of eighteen. I was applying to several of the best ranked schools for computer science and engineering in the entire world. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology over in America was my top choice. After many back and forth emails with the admissions counselors over there, it was decided that MIT would be the best pick.
After I was accepted, I started to get everything ready for me to start there. This included getting my passport renewed and applying for a visa so I could study in the United States. But it wasn't long before it became time to pack up. I was getting ready to explore uncharted waters. My whole family came to Heathrow airport to bid goodbye. Quite frankly, I was a little nervous.
Before I knew it, I was standing on campus. I was so ready to start my new journey. I was lucky enough to get my own dorm room that I didn't have to share with anyone else. My first day of classes was interesting to say the least. A few students pointed out that I was "that genius dude from the UK". It took me a long time to understand how people talk in the states. They speak so informally compared to us Brits. But eventually I got the hang of it.
MIT's curriculum was very rigorous. For once I felt my brain was actually being challenged. I enjoyed the challenge. Soon enough, I made a friend who actually lived down the hall from me in the dorms. Her name was Kaylee; but she preferred to be only called Kay. Kay and I spent long hours studying together in the study hall. Kay loves cats. A lot. On a school break, Kay and I went to go volunteer for a day at a local animal shelter. Up until this point, I didn't have any sort of emotional connection to animals. But there was this one cat, his name was Pancake. All he wanted to do was curl up into a ball and snuggle. For some odd reason, I think he really liked me.
From that day onwards, I realized my spirit animal was a cat. I had such an emotional connection to Pancake, and he had an emotional connection to me.
"Hey, Andrew! Do you want to do this again another day?" Kay asked. I nodded my head in agreement and replied: "I would be delighted to!". Needless to say, that's how Kay and I became friends. When it came time for Christmas break, Kay invited me to meet her family and stay for a few days. During Christmas, her family treated me as if I was a part of her family. We watched movies and drank hot chocolate, while I preferred to drink some tea. Kay's younger sister Amy, who is an art student painted me a portrait. While Kay's grandma crocheted me a little sleeve to keep my tea warm. And we also went to a Christmas party. I was never fond of parties, but I enjoyed myself.
It wasn't too long until it was time to return to school. Kay made me feel welcome even though I was an ocean away from home.
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The Q Logs
Fanfic"I'll hazard I can do more damage sitting on my laptop sitting in my pajamas before my first cup of Earl Gray than you can do a year in the field." Q. He's the one behind all the gadgets that Bond uses while out in the field. And an expert in everyt...
