My name is Freya Janie.

I come from a small, quiet town one of those places where everyone knows your name, and change is a rare visitor. Life was simple, sometimes too simple. But everything shifted the moment I stepped off the bus and into a city that sparkled like a dream: my new home.

I was 19 years old then. Just a girl with a borrowed suitcase, a heart full of hope, and a mind set on something bigger. I wasn’t rich, not in the way people count coins and measure houses. My family didn’t have much, but we had love. And that love was everything.

My uncle believed in me enough to send me to one of the country’s most prestigious schools—Ateneo. My parents, though far away, carried me with their prayers and unwavering support. They didn’t have gold, but they gave me their everything. I owe them more than words can hold.

I have two siblings a teenage brother still learning what it means to grow up, and a baby sister who doesn’t yet know the weight of dreams. I came to this city not just for myself, but for them too. One day, I will repay every sacrifice, every sleepless night, every peso stretched too thin.

This is the story of how I learned to stand on my own. Of friendships I never expected, lessons that came at a cost, and the quiet strength I found in the heart of the unknown.

The city air felt different that morning—crisp and buzzing with possibility. As I stood at the gate of my new school, Ateneo, my heart thudded like a drum in my chest. This was it. The first day. A fresh chapter.

I clutched the straps of my bag a little tighter. My nerves were a mix of fear and excitement—like standing on the edge of something huge, not knowing whether I’d fall or fly.

The campus was beautiful. Clean buildings stood like quiet giants, students moved in waves some confident, some just as lost-looking as I was. I watched them, wondering where I fit in this sea of strangers.

But just as I started to feel small again, I heard a voice call my name.

“Freya?”

I turned, and there they were—two familiar faces in the middle of all this newness. Neshara and Hashera. We had shared classrooms, secrets, and long afternoons filled with laughter back in our hometown. I never imagined we’d all end up here together—in this big city, at the same school.

I almost laughed. What were the chances?

“I didn’t know you were coming here!” I said, my voice shaky with surprise and relief.

“Neither did we!” Hashera said, grinning. “Neshara found out last minute too. This place just got less scary, huh?”

And just like that, the tightness in my chest loosened. Maybe the first day of school wouldn’t be so bad after all. Maybe the universe knew I needed a little piece of home to remind me that I wasn’t alone.

We walked through the school grounds together, laughing at how lost we were and comparing schedules. In that moment, I realized that new beginnings don’t always mean starting from nothing. Sometimes, they come with quiet blessings like old friends in new places.

That day, I didn’t just step into school, I stepped into the life I’d been dreaming of.

And the journey had only just begun.

I entered the classroom quietly. I walked slowly to the back row and sat near the window. I looked around and saw many students already talking to each other. I felt nervous and alone.

I started thinking about how I could talk to my classmates. I didn’t know anyone, and it made me sad. Neshara and Hashera weren’t in my class. I wished they were with me.

I sat quietly, hoping the day would go by fast. Then someone came and asked if the seat beside me was taken. I said no. She smiled and sat down.

Her name was Lara. She was kind and friendly. We started talking, and I felt better. Soon, other classmates joined our conversation. I didn’t expect to talk to anyone on the first day, but I made my first friend.

Our teacher came and asked us to introduce ourselves. I stood up and said, “I’m Freya Janie. I’m from a small town. I’m happy to be here.” I was still nervous, but I was proud of myself.

The teacher explained what we would be doing in class this semester. It was just a simple introduction, but it made me excited and a little less scared.

When class ended, Lara looked at me and said, “You’re not alone here, Freya.”

I smiled.

After class, I went to the mall with Neshara and Hashera. It was comforting to see their faces again after being in a room full of strangers all morning. We found a small spot in the food court and sat down with iced drinks.

“So,” I said, “how was your first day?”

Neshara rolled her eyes and sighed. “Honestly? I didn’t talk to anyone. I just sat there and waited for the bell to ring.”

Hashera laughed and added, “Same here. I’m not in the mood to make new friends yet.”

I couldn’t help but laugh. “Wow. That’s funny because I actually talked to someone today.”

Both of them looked at me, surprised.

“Seriously?” Neshara asked, raising an eyebrow. “You made a friend already?”

“Yeah,” I said, smiling. “Her name is Lara. She sat beside me and started a conversation. She was really nice.”

Neshara chuckled and leaned back in her seat. “Look at you, Miss Independent. You’re already doing city girl things.”

I laughed again, feeling proud but also a little shy. “I didn’t plan it. It just happened.”

“You’re braver than us,” Neshara said, smiling. “I’m still stuck in my hometown mood.”

We kept talking and laughing about our first day, sharing stories and small moments. For a little while, it felt just like old times.

Then I glanced at the time on my phone and gasped. “Oh no—I need to go! I have a curfew.”

“Already?” Hashera said, surprised.

“Yeah,” I replied, grabbing my bag. “My uncle’s strict, and my parents still check in every night even if they’re not here. I promised I’d be home before dark.”

“Go before they think you got lost in the city,” Neshara joked.

I rushed out, waving goodbye to them. As I walked toward the jeepney stop, I felt a warm happiness in my chest. I had faced my fears, made a new friend, and still had Neshara and Hashera close by.

It wasn’t a perfect day—but it was a good beginning.