It’s our first day in the University, but we still don’t have classes yet. We do have a lot of orientations and meetings today though.
The freshmen orientation was already done. We still have an hour for a break to have snacks or something and then we’ll head to our department orientation. After that, I’ll have my bloc encounter. They call it ‘bloc encounter’ because it’s the first time the students in my bloc will meet.
For freshmen, the sections are usually by bloc, which means that for people who are in the same bloc, they will most likely have the same classes. This is like a default for the freshmen. But after the first semester, we will basically be on our own. We’ll decide on what classes to take as long as we still follow our prospectus. For now, we’ll enjoy this privilege of not having to beg teachers to include us in their classes.
Luckily, Taylor and I are in the same department so we don’t have to part ways just yet.
But when the most dreaded bloc encounter came, I had to be by myself. Which is scary.
“Creative writing?” Someone asked. I’m the first person who came to the meeting room. I'm a few minutes early. With what happened earlier? I'll definitely practice being an early bird. I hate attending something and not being able to have my own chair.
I nodded at the girl who just asked me. I guess she also belongs in this room.
“Hi! I’m Erica,” she says as she takes the seat beside me.
“I’m Jasmine. Nice meeting you,” I replied with a smile.
“What bloc do you belong to?” She asked. I had my class schedule on my hands so I checked it once again even if I already knew what bloc I’m in.
“Bloc A,” I replied.
“Oh. Smart ass,” she mumbled. “I’m from bloc B.”
“Too bad. I wish we were classmates.”
“Nah, sis. You’re too smart to be my classmate. You didn’t know? Bloc As are the star section. They’re composed of valedictorians and honor rolls from high school,” she explained. Well, I didn’t know about that.
I thought this is for our bloc only. Apparently, it’s an encounter between students under the same course. They should’ve called it a ‘Course encounter.’
“So which student are you?” She suddenly asked. I didn’t know what she meant so I furrowed my brows.
“What do you mean?”
“I mean, were you a valedictorian, honorable mention?”
I felt shy when I understood her question. “Valedictorian.”
“Wow. You go girl!” She mumbled with a grin.
I still want to talk more to Erica but the room was slowly filled with students and soon enough, the encounter started.
We were grouped based on our bloc and those who belong in Bloc A sat on the first few rows of chairs. I had to say goodbye to Erica because we’re parting ways. But it was nice to meet and talk to her. I hope she becomes one of my friends. I don't have much social skills based on my experience in High School, and I want to change that here. So might as well try to be friends with people who are pleasant enough to talk to me and not find me intimidated.
The moment I went to the front, I felt this weird feeling of competition going on. I feel like all these people near me are so smart and competitive.
Mom told me that ranking doesn’t really matter in College. But I feel like these kids would kill just to be on top. That’s scary.
I tried to introduce myself to my seatmate but I think she’s not interested in knowing me. I suddenly feel bad for myself. And it feels so wrong to be in this bloc. They’re kind of mean.
The meeting started with me not being able to know anyone from my bloc. Being around them feels so intense so I just didn’t bother introducing myself again to anyone. I feel like they’ll eat me up.
So these are the people I will be classmates with for the rest of the semester huh?
I can’t wait for this meeting to end.
-
After the very intimidating meeting, I was so happy to go back to the dormitory. That meeting drained my energy.
“How’s your bloc encounter?” Taylor asked when she saw me entering the room. She’s already inside and is now lying on her bed.
“Aweful,” I replied, to which she answered with a laugh.
“I can see it on your face,” she commented.
“They’re scary.”
“Well, you belong in the star section. I just figured it will be like that,” she mumbled. Taylor’s in Bloc B and she seemed happy about it. I wish I just belonged to Bloc B. I feel like the people there are nicer.
“Well, guess what. I think I’m gonna bury my nose on my books during class,” I said.
I changed into a new set of clean clothes and lay on my bed. I really have no energy at this moment. I’ll just take a nap and maybe have dinner when I wake up.
“I’ll just take a nap, Tay. Wake me up if you’re going to eat so I can go with you,” I said.
“Okay!”
-
The following day’s officially the first day of classes. I woke up earlier than yesterday- it’s still 5 am. I also woke Taylor up. We can’t make the same mistake we did yesterday.
When we went to the bathroom, there were no lines and we quickly got our spots. So I guess I’ll be waking up everyday at 5 am.
My first class is at 8 am so I still have time to grab some breakfast with Taylor. Her first class is still later at 9.
We happened to pass by a cafe just near the dormitory and there were still a lot of vacant seats so Tay and I decided to just eat there. Plus, I’d be happy to order that huge cup of coffee someone ordered just now.
“Ohh, I want that!” I told Tay.
We are already at the counter and it’s already our turn. Taylor quickly said her order, asked for the rest room, and left me there.
“I want that huge cup of coffee the lady ordered just now. What is it?” I asked the girl taking our orders.
She smiled and said, “That was a Cappuccino, Miss.”
“Yes, I’ll have that,” I said smilingly. It just smelled so good and so strong. I hope it will help me get through the day. I also ordered their breakfast special because it sounds yummy and... well, special.
Caffeine’s really a necessary part of my day. Without coffee, I become a weak, sleepy person with no ability to function. So I’m definitely taking that very huge cup.
“So you’re into coffee, huh?” Someone spoke behind me. The voice was unfamiliar so I had to turn.
And lo and behold, it was the guy from yesterday. The one who kept staring at me!
“I’m Flint, by the way,” he murmured, offering his hand for a handshake. I just looked at it.
I couldn’t quite move when I felt something weird from the necklace again.
What the hell is wrong with this necklace?!
I had crushes. I remember having a crush on William Santos back in Elementary because he knows how to comprehend while reading. But it didn’t last long because apparently, the guy is a jerk. I saw him punching another girl in my class and it was awful. It made me pledge not to ever have a crush on him. In High School, the guys are not really attractive. Well, what’s attractive to me are guys who know how to form words beautifully, guys who know how to solve Algebra problems. But the guys in my High School? Unattractive. They are good-looking, but looks are not everything for me. Looking at the guy now who’s also eyeing me with the same intensity as yesterday, gives me the chills down my spine. Sure, he’s good-looking, his black hair has this messy look which made him look like a bad boy. And his brows? To die for! It’s in perfect shape and it’s all hair I can say. It must be good to have the same brows where I don’t have to use a brow pencil or something. His nose was pointed and he
The moment I saw his mischievous smile, I felt like running away. But why the hell would I run away? I have a class here. Why is he here? He should be the one to run away! I believe he has no business being here. He’s not a freshman! This class is exclusive for freshmen! Even in this class, he’s gonna crash? I grunted and went back to facing the front. The Professor’s already in front and anytime now, the class will start. Just the mere look on his face, I can already see he’s just playing. I just don’t understand why he’s making the University his playing ground, and why does it seem like I’m the toy? God, how dare he. And the necklace is really bothering the hell out of me. I should stop wearing this but as Mom said, this will protect me. Maybe to protect me from assholes? Maybe this is some kind of necklace that can detect assholes? Because everytime Flint is near me, the weird sensation always comes out from this necklace. Huh, I should really ask Mom about this. The Professo
My first week as a University Student flew by so fast. The classes were somehow okay. Most of the classes for this week are more on introduction of the courses. So far, I’m slowly adjusting to the environment. I still miss home though. Sean’s still the only friend I got from the bloc. I tried talking to them, opening up to them, but I don’t think the problem is me. I was pleasant enough to introduce myself and approach first but these people just won’t talk to me. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with them? As much as I want to know these people in my bloc, I just decided not to think so much about it. After all, I have Sean as my friend so I didn’t mind as much. Although he said joining the sem starter of the bloc will probably help. So I decided to go. It’s a Friday night. The very first thing I did the moment my class ended earlier was take a nap. After an hour, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to join the sem starter. “Hey, Tay?” I called. I’m still lying on my bed becau
“Hey, JV,” Flint greeted cheerfully. I quickly looked away and read the menu instead. I don’t think giving him attention will do any good to my mood.“JV? Why is he calling you JV?” Taylor asked. I just shrugged at her. Although I know why it’s JV- Jasmine Victoria. I don’t prefer to be called that way. I’m Jasmine!I heard Flint’s chuckle and that made me roll my eyes. “Do you mind?” He asked. I saw him pointing at the vacant chair at our table. We occupied the table with six chairs.“No,” Taylor and I quickly replied in chorus.“Wow, that was quick,” the guy in glasses commented laughingly. Can’t they feel we don’t want to share the table with them?“Look, I know we started rough, but can we start over?” I heard Flint ask. I scoffed.Maybe this is me being judgmental, but this is also me being careful. I can’t just let these strangers continue forcing their presence in my life.“You’ve been annoying me the entire week,” I finally said. I looked at him and maintained a straight face.
I didn't care about having friends before. One or two was enough for me. I thought, what would I do with a lot of friends? It's not like I'm running for Mayor or something.But I was good with being civil with everyone. The kind where I know they don't hate me for something. Sure, sometimes they're intimidated or can't stand the thought of me because I was competitive. But not competitive enough that I would harm anyone. No. I'm not friendly, I don't have that social skill, but I don't wish harm on anyone.Seeing my blocmates throw me looks that I don't understand, I realized I can't stand it when people treat me like an outcast. All these days, I tried my very best to show interest in knowing them because again, high school isn't like college. My Mom said
I saw him and his friends enter. Upon seeing him, I quickly looked away, afraid he'd see me. I don't want him to think he has an impact on me. Okay, I admit that he makes me feel all sorts of things, but to hell, I will never admit that to him. Everytime I see him, I can't help but feel these things- mostly annoyance. "Just don't mind him," I said. I also saw Sean looking their way. "I guess he hasn't seen us yet. Do you want to just go back to the dorm?" But we just got here and we haven't even finished our food yet. Also, this is the first time in this week that I don't have to look around and feel the atmosphere of the campus. My routine has been classroom-dorm-food halls or cafes, basically just around the campus. It was depressing so being outside feels so freeing. I feel like I was sentenced in jail- our dormitory being the jail. "You know what, we don't have to go. He doesn't own this place so we just have the same rights as him to be here," Taylor said as she munched on her
It's really true that time flies by so fast when you're enjoying it. I was excited for the weekend but it seemed like it didn't last long. I saw my family and got to spend time with them the entire weekend. We roamed around the City. While Mom and Dad were taking a rest, my sisters and I went coffee shop hunting. We went to different coffee shops and tried their signature coffees. It was so fun. I had a lot of caffeine that day. It felt like heaven.But as they say, all good things must come to an end. The weekend was over. Now I'm back to my room, alone and lonely. My family just dropped me off here and hurried back home. Dahlia and Hyacinth still have classes tomorrow early, and my parents have work as well.Come to think of it, I forgot to ask Mom about
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