Chap. 3: Academic Pressure
Mom
How was school, sweetie? Did you enjoy your first day?
Mom asked, her eyes twinkling with a mix of concern and excitement. We were at the dinner table, the familiar scent of Mom's homemade lasagna filling the air. I took a bite, savoring the creamy ricotta and the tangy tomato sauce.
I replied, pushing my plate away slightly.
Snow Lopez
Just a lot of introductions and schedules and stuff. Not too exciting.
Mom
I bet. High school is a whole new ballgame. Did you get a chance to meet anyone interesting?
Snow Lopez
I just had the best time hanging out with Cassandra in the cafeteria,
Told her, my voice bubbling with excitement.
Snow Lopez
Furthermore, it was just the two of us all day, exploring the university. It's amazing, Mom. It really feels alive, with everyone buzzing around and laughing, and the food was surprisingly good, too!
Mom
Oh, that's really wonderful, sweetie,
My mom replied, her voice warm and full of pride.
Dad
Well, I hope you get a better good grades now. That you finally stepped into that prestigious university,
My smile suddenly faded as my dad started to have a conversation with me now.
His voice laced with a hint of... well, was it pride or skepticism? It was hard to tell with Dad. He always had this way of sounding like he was just stating a fact, even when he was clearly trying to be encouraging.
I said, trying to keep the excitement out of my voice. It was hard. I'd been working so hard for this, for years. And here I was, finally a student at the university I'd dreamed of attending.
Snow Lopez
I got perfect grades, actually. It was a lot of work, but it was worth it.
Dad
Good. That's what I like to hear. You need to keep that up, you know. This is a tough school. The best of the best go there. You have to prove you belong.
His words felt a bit like a slap in the face. I wanted to tell him that I knew it was a tough school. That I was aware of the competition, the pressure, the expectations. But I just nodded, a bit of my excitement draining away.
I didn't want to argue with him, not today. Not when I was still on cloud nine from being at the university.
I promised, trying to sound confident.
Snow Lopez
Don't worry, I'll make you proud.
Mom
That's enough conversation, let's just finished eating, alright?
I and dad just both nodded to my mom's. And finish our dinner tonight.
I was the first one who finish my food.
Snow Lopez
Okay, I think I'm going to head up to my room now mom, dad.
I announced, pushing my plate away from me. My stomach was full, but I was more excited to finally be alone in my room for now.
Mom
Okay, sweetie. Get some rest. You've had a long day.
Mom said, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she smiled.
Dad
Yeah, you should get some sleep.
Dad added, nodding his head in agreement. He was already looking at the sports channel on the TV, his attention already drifting. He was never perfect with goodbyes.
I got up from the table, giving my parents a quick hug.
Snow Lopez
Good night, guys. I'll see you in the morning.
Then, I grabbed my backpack and headed up the stairs, feeling like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders. It was finally here. My new life had begun.
The moment I closed my bedroom door behind me, I let out a sigh of relief. The day had been long and exhausting, full of new faces, unfamiliar buildings, and an overwhelming sense of being completely out of my element. I needed to relax, to let everything sink in.
Snow Lopez
Finally, one day has ended. No matter what my father's opinion is for me. I will make sure to prove my self in front of him.
I whispered under the full moon, a silver disc shining brightly outside my window.
Before I allowed myself to drift off to sleep, I decided to change into my pajamas and get ready for bed. I was still buzzing with the excitement of the day, but the tiredness was starting to catch up with me. I wanted to be comfortable and relaxed before finally giving in to sleep.
Furthermore, I pulled out my softest pajamas, a pair of flannel pants and a comfy t-shirt, and slipped into them. Then I brushed my teeth and washed my face, feeling the coolness of the water against my skin. I stood in front of the mirror, looking at my reflection. I had a new look in my eyes, a glimmer of something confident and determined. This was the start of something new.
I climbed back into bed, pulling the covers up to my chin, and smiled.
Finally, the day was over. I stretched out in bed, feeling a mixture of exhaustion and exhilaration. Dad's words still lingered in my mind. His skepticism, his unspoken doubt. But it only fueled my determination. I wasn't going to let his words hold me back. This was my chance to prove myself, not just to him, but to myself. I was going to make the most of this opportunity, to excel in my studies, to embrace every experience, and to show him, and everyone else, that I belonged here.
I was just about to close my eyes, a wave of sleepiness washing over me, when my phone suddenly buzzed on the bedside table. The sudden noise startled me, shattering the quiet peace of my room. I groaned, wondering who could be calling at this late hour.
I fumbled for my phone, my eyes still half-closed. It was Cassandra. "What the heck, really cass?! Shit, i just want to sleep!"
I answered the call, feeling tired already.
Cassandra said, her voice bright and cheerful as usual.
Cassandra Peterson
Just wanted to say good night. I'm so glad we got to spend the day together. It was so much fun! And I'm already excited for tomorrow!
I laughed a bit. Cassandra always had a way of making everything feel exciting.
Snow Lopez
Me too, I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.
We chatted for a few more minutes, catching up on our day and making plans for tomorrow until we both fell asleep.
A new day dawned, bright and promising. The sun streamed through my window, painting my room in warm, golden light. I stretched, feeling the familiar ache of muscles unused after a long day of exploring. The excitement of the day before was still simmering inside me, a delightful anticipation of all the new things to come. I knew that today, like every other day, would be filled with learning, discovering, and growing.
I swung my legs out of bed, the familiar coolness of the hardwood floor against my bare feet. Another day, another chance to make the most of this incredible opportunity. I was ready.
I moved through my morning routine with a newfound sense of purpose. I showered, the hot water washing away any lingering sleepiness, and then I got dressed, choosing a comfortable outfit that felt both practical and stylish. I didn't want to sacrifice comfort for fashion, especially not on a day that promised to be filled with walking around campus.
After a quick breakfast of toast and coffee, I grabbed my backpack and headed out the door. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome change from the stifling heat of summer. I took a deep breath, feeling the energy of the new day coursing through me.
The familiar walk to the university seemed different now. My eyes were sharper, my senses more attuned. I noticed details I'd missed before – the intricate carvings on the old buildings, the vibrant colors of the leaves changing on the trees, the sounds of birdsong in the air.
The university was alive, buzzing with activity. Students rushed past me, their faces filled with purpose, their backpacks laden with books.
As I walked into the main building, my eyes immediately found Cassandra. She was standing by the entrance, a familiar smile lighting up her face as she saw me. It was like a beacon of warmth and comfort in the bustling crowd.
She called out, waving her hand.
I smiled back, my heart lifting with a sense of relief. It was so good to see her again.
Snow Lopez
You're so early! You didn't even come by my place.
I said, my voice was laced with playful teasing. She laughed,
Cassandra Peterson
I know, I know. I was just so excited to get to campus, and I figured we could catch up here. Plus, I wanted to make sure I got a good spot in the library for our tour.
Snow Lopez
Alright, fair enough, But next time, we're doing breakfast together, deal?
I said, giving me a playful nudge with her elbow.
Cassandra Peterson
Deal, I'm already craving pancakes.
She agreed, grinning at me.
The librarian, a kindly old gentleman with twinkling eyes and a love for books that was as infectious as Cassandra's energy, led us through the sprawling halls of the library.
MR. GALILEO
-39years librarians
-Old and kind
-Love all the kinds of books
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