Intro

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Alicia Pov

Growing up, I had one goal in life: to be successful and make my family proud. You might wonder what success means to me. For me, it means being independent, reaching my full potential, and achieving my career aspirations. In a few days, I'll be embarking on the journey to achieve these dreams.

I'm currently 18, half Italian and half French. My mom is a beautiful dark-skinned woman, and my dad is an Italian white man. My mom is a lawyer, and my dad is a surgeon. As their only daughter, they try to spend as much time with me as they can, especially since my older brother left for college last year.

I recently graduated high school in June, and this fall, I'll be attending Elysian Heights University, one of the most elite schools in the world. It's the alma mater of successful CEOs, influential politicians, and world leaders. My goal is to be one of the top students there and to build as many connections as possible.

However, there's one tiny problem—I’m not very good at socializing. My parents have been quite worried about this because I am far from a social butterfly. I wish I could be, but I get anxious every time I have to speak with strangers.

Luckily, all three of my best friends from high school—Emily, Saraphina, and Matheo—will be attending the same school as me. They’ve been my closest companions since I was homeschooled during middle school. Now, as I step into this new chapter of my life, I hope their support will help me overcome my social anxieties and thrive at Elysian Heights.

"Ali, Ali, Alicia, Alicia Kensington!"

"Yes, Mom?"

"My love, is everything okay? You know you can talk to me about anything, right?"

"Yeah, I know, Mom. It's just that I'm excited and nervous at the same time for tomorrow."

"Of course you are. It's normal, my love. You're on the path to adulthood and achieving your goals. It's okay to be nervous. When I look back on my college years, it was quite insane. I made lifelong friendships, had so much fun, and made so many mistakes. Those mistakes helped me grow into who I am today. While education is important, don't forget to have a little fun."

"That's the thing—I just get awkward every time I start a conversation with someone I don't know."

"Well, my love, I have a feeling you will figure it out. But one thing you must always remember is to be yourself. If they can't accept you for who you are, then they aren't meant to be in your life."

"Yeah, you are right."

"It's late. You need to go to bed. Tomorrow we have a long day ahead."

"There you guys are. So, are you sure there's nothing more you want me to add to the car?" Nathan Kensington asked.

"Yes, Dad, I'm sure. Okay, now I need to go to bed. Good night, Mom. Good night, Dad. Love you."

"Good night, Angioletta," Nathan Kensington said.

"Good night, my love," Mariane Kensington added.

*Angioletta - Little Angel

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The next morning was a whirlwind of last-minute packing, double-checking lists, and loading the car. Alicia's excitement and nerves mingled as her parents drove her to the airport.

At the airport, as they approached the security checkpoint, Alicia's mom, Mariane, turned to her with a serious but loving expression.

"My love, are you sure you have everything? Your passport, boarding pass, your debit/ credit card, your ID?" Mariane asked, her worry evident.

"Yes, Mom, I double-checked everything," Alicia reassured her.

"Honey, don't stress. We'll be coming to help her with any other essentials in three days, and Saraphina's mom, Vivienne, will be with them anyway," Nathan said, trying to calm her.

"Yeah, but it's still worrisome. Also, when do Saraphina Emily and Matheo  get here?" Mariane asked.

"Alicia!" Saraphina's voice rang out as she sprang into Alicia's arms, followed by her mom, Vivienne, and their friends, Emily and Matheo. They all greeted Alicia's parents warmly.

"Okay, bye Mom, Dad," Alicia said, hugging them tightly.

"If you need anything, let me know. And thank you so much, Vivienne," Mariane said.

"Of course, Mariane," Vivienne replied with a reassuring smile.

We got on the plane, and during the flight, I spent most of the time reading a book called "Why Men Love Bitches." Yeah, I know it's hilarious since I haven't been on one date. Matheo and Saraphina spent most of the time sleeping and eating, Emily was engrossed in her laptop doing who-knows-what, and Mrs. Laurent spent the flight working.

When the flight landed, we gathered our luggage and headed to Mrs. Laurent's car. As we drove to Elysian Heights University, my nerves and excitement grew. Elysian is probably the biggest school I had ever seen, sprawling and majestic, with grand buildings that seemed to touch the sky. It felt like a whole new world was opening up before me, and I couldn't wait to explore it.When the flight landed, we gathered our luggage and headed to Mrs. Laurent's car. As we drove to Elysian Heights University, my nerves and excitement grew. Elysian is probably the biggest school I had ever seen, sprawling and majestic, with grand buildings that seemed to touch the sky. It felt like a whole new world was opening up before me, and I couldn't wait to explore it.

As we drove to Elysian Heights University, the first thing that caught our attention was the imposing main gate. It was a grand stone archway, intricately carved with the university's crest and flanked by tall, wrought-iron fences. The crest depicted a torch surrounded by laurel leaves, symbolizing knowledge and achievement.

Beyond the gates, a wide, tree-lined avenue stretched out before us, leading directly to the heart of the campus. Majestic oak trees formed a canopy overhead, their leaves rustling softly in the gentle breeze. The avenue was dotted with vibrant flower beds in full bloom, adding splashes of color to the serene landscape.

As we continued down the avenue, the impressive silhouette of Elysian Hall emerged in the distance. Its Gothic spires and elaborate architecture stood tall against the sky, immediately drawing our gaze. The sunlight glinted off the stained glass windows, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that danced across the stone facade.

To the right, we saw the sprawling lawns of the university's central quad, where students lounged on the grass, studying or chatting in groups. Statues of esteemed scholars and historical figures lined the pathways, each one telling a story of the university's rich heritage.

On the left, the gleaming glass structure of the modern library came into view. Its sleek design was a striking contrast to the historic buildings, symbolizing the university's blend of tradition and innovation.

Further down, we passed the bustling student union building, alive with activity. Students were gathered outside at café tables, engrossed in lively conversations, while others hurried inside, likely heading to meetings or events.

As we neared the dormitories, we noticed the welcoming and vibrant atmosphere. Each building was thoughtfully designed with communal spaces, gardens, and outdoor terraces where students were already forming connections.

This captivating blend of historical grandeur and contemporary vibrancy was the first impression Elysian Heights University made on us, and it was clear that this place was much more than a school—it was a thriving, dynamic community.

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