Chasing the dream

chapter 3 - new charm

<Chasing the Dream>

Story by zoé s.

I was scanning the crowded auditorium for a place to sit, my heart racing with anticipation. This was it—the beginning of my college journey, and the thrill of the volleyball scholarship was exciting . I found a seat in the middle of a row, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. As the teachers started introducing themselves, my attention drifted between the stage and my  own on-going thoughts. A thousand new things were being thrown at us: university modules, profiles, clubs, and sports teams. It was all so overwhelming yet exhilarating , a volleyball scholarship that  changed my  life. I knew I was ready to dive  into everything this university had to offer, not just the academics but also the social life that came with it.

I focused back into the meeting as the professor detailed the rules of university life. I felt my heart race at the mention of sports. But then another important piece of information snagged my attention: the sports houses were co-ed. This meant that I wouldn't just be sharing the court with girls; the guys would be there too. A feeling of both excitement and nerves build up in my chest. 

"Welcome to SISS, everyone! We're happy to have you!" a cheerful professor announced, cutting through the noise as he stared at the first-year students.

I took a deep breath, feeling a mix of adrenaline and nerves. This was the moment I had been waiting for.

When the sports houses were introduced, I leaned forward in my seat, my excitement bubbling over. The volleyball house was mentioned, and my heart soared. YES! I was exactly where I was meant to be. 

 - -

After what felt like an eternity of walking, I finally found my way to the volleyball house. I took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Inside, the energy was electric—players were already chatting, laughing, and stretching. The sound of volleyballs thumping against the floor echoed around the large space, making my heart race.

Just as I settled into the atmosphere, I realized I was a bit sweaty from my sprint across campus. But I brushed it off—I was determined to make a good impression as a scholarship athlete. Before I could second-guess myself, I positioned myself in a circle with a group of players. To my surprise, a tall, athletic boy with tousled brown hair, a bright smile, and  black glasses plopped down right next to me.

"Julien," he said, extending a hand that I took. "Excited for the season? I heard our team's got a killer lineup."He leaned in closer, a confident smirk playing on his lips.

"Absolutely! That's why I'm here—the scholarship and everything,  I responded, trying to sound calm and collected, though my cheeks betrayed me and flushed with a hint of color."I'm Nia."

"Scholarship, huh? That's impressive. You must be pretty damn good," he teased, his eyes sparkling with mischief. I couldn't help but smile back at him.

"Only if you consider 'lots of practice' as good," I laughed, feeling a rush of confidence. "How about you? What position do you play?"

"I'm a setter. But my real talent lies in cheering on my teammates," he joked, a playful grin still plastered on his face. "And scoring dates, of course."

"Smooth talker, are we?" I replied, raising an eyebrow playfully. "What's your secret?"

"Just a charming smile and a bit of sassiness ," he said, leaning in closer, and I felt a shining spark. "But really, it helps to make a good impression."

As I reached into my bag to grab my notebook, our fingertips brushed ever so slightly.  For a split second, time seemed to freeze. This was not what I had expected on my first day.