The Journey

Sophia and Larry drove off to the bus stop, They arrived a little late, on getting there the first bus has left and they had to wait for the next one. It was a long wait but they didn't feel it much because they had to spend that time getting to know each other well. They talked about so many things, it was shocking to Sophia that Larry Also loves reading books. She has always seen him as a spirited fellow who is so indifferent about books, he hardly visits the library at high school, sometimes she wonders how he managed to excel and even got admission into Berkeley University. Larry had to let the cat out of the bag when she persisted to know how much he reads. Larry told her that he belongs to the category of people that don't need to read long to understand, all he needs, Is to stay in class and then read at night. He made Sophia understand the need for everyone to understand how they assimilate what is being taught or what they read because this helps in saving them a lot of trouble dealing with reading. Everyone knew Larry as someone unserious but at the end of each year he will emerge as one of the best and these kept many wondering how he manages to pull that off, without knowing that he has his pattern of reading which works best for him. Sophia couldn't believe her ears, Larry reading a book, Is to her like heaven meeting the earth. She finally had to admit that it's indeed very important to fully know how one assimilates knowledge. After waiting for hours, the bus finally arrived and they left for Berkeley, it was a pleasant journey for them, they discussed everything they saw on the roadside. One of their discussion was based on a hilarious site of an old woman who stood at the center of the road giving directions to the drivers. They kept imaging how a woman her age can do such a thing and with so much passion and humor. 

It was a 2hours drive, as they got closer to the University, it was as though the atmosphere changed. A new cool breeze was blowing and the chilling noise of little birds chattering in the air. Finally, when they got to the gate of the school it was an intriguing sight, Sophia was so excited and was captivated with the beauty of the place. The gate was decorated with red flowers, they were aligned just like the shape of the gate, and at the center of the school is a waterfall surrounded by water Lillies. Sophia decided to have a tour of the school first before heading to her hostel but Larry disagreed with her, he thought that it is best they locate their hostels first then come for a good tour of the school and which they will need a guide too, someone who has been in the school for some time and is well familiar with the environment. Sophia suspended her idea of touring after what Larry said and they headed to their different hostels, Larry went to the male hostel while Sophia went to the female hostel. It was not difficult for Sophia to locate her hostel because it wasn't very far from the main school building and she has her hostel number on her tag. She was so excited to meet Abigail her roommate.

Hi, "welcome to Berkeley", Abigail said with a smile

"I am Abigail, nice to meet you", Abigail said extending her hand towards Sophia

"I am Sophia, nice to meet you too". 

Abigail was very receptive and had a great disposition too, she made sure Sophia was assisted with all her boxes. She arrived earlier than Sophia and so have finished packing her things, she was about to have lunch before Sophia arrived. She was part of the people that joined the first bus, they arrived in the early hours of the morning. Abigail also came from a small town just near Sophia's. Both her parents were School teachers and Famers. They trained Abigail with beautiful and amazing values. They are Christians and left the footprint for Abigail to follow suit and she did so with convictions. Abigail took Sophia like her own sister at first glance. Abigail has prayed to God to bring her a roommate that can be a blessing. 

How did you get into Berkeley? Sophia asked Abigail

"I got in through a scholarship", I was over joyous when I got my admission letter, my parent's prayers were answered. They have always hoped and dreamed that I go to Berkeley and now am here. God is indeed wonderful. 

"You sound as though, it was just your parent's dream and not yours", Sophia said surprised.

Not at all, of course, it's my dream too to be here but they prayed me into it. I know you may not understand what am saying". Are you a Christian? Abigail asked Sophia

"Yes, I am".  

Okay, that makes both of us then". What discipline were you offered?

Chemistry, though I wanted to apply for applied Mathematics before but changed my mind. Chemistry has been my best Subject. What about you? What discipline were you offered?

"I am an Art student, I was offered international Economics". 

Oh! That's beautiful. 

Abigail and Sophia discussed so many other things like places they love, their best food and color, and the likes. Abigail shared her lunch with Sophia after which they decided to visit their neighbor who also packed in that same day. The whole school felt the arrival of the new students, once you see someone looking around like a stranger in a fiery land, the person must be part of the new students. Berkeley is known for its outstanding academic records and pleasant study environment. It has most of the best structures among the schools in the whole state. Berkeley has produced most of the top amazing personalities in the world, They rank the first in the world university ranking. An admission into Berkeley is like winning a lottery to most of these students and they can't help but express it fully.

                  ***

Larry had just settled in his hostel, being new wasn't so dramatic for the guys as it were for the ladies. Larry met new friends who he discussed with as though they have known for ages. They talked about different things especially sports. Larry became interested in joining The Basketball team. He has been a lover of basketball right from his childhood. His parents will always buy basketball as a gift for him during his birthdays and he is super good at playing the game. He has attended many international competitions during his days at high school, that's part of what made him very influential at high school. He has won many awards while playing basketball. One can say that he was born to play basketball. He opted to join the Berkeley team when someone mentioned that they were scouting for new students to join the team. They were surprised when Larry said he wants to join, they knew and have heard of the Berkeley basketball team, they are fierce and very professional, their screening can be very tough only a few to finally become a part of the team after their rigorous processes. Their doubt was only because they didn't know Larry well enough. He told them that he is capable of passing any of their tests and he will eventually become a part of the team. He said so with so much confidence. James, his roommate was dumbfounded after hearing all he had to say. They all started cheering him up and were mockingly telling him to go for it. If only they knew how good he was, they wouldn't be doing such. Larry laughed because he knew what stuff he was made of and what he is capable of doing. Larry had finished packing his things before they started their discussions. When he found out that the screening will take place the next day, he quickly excused himself from his friends and move towards the field for registration. He saw a very long queue when he got to the place and queued up too. The registration took almost the whole day before it got to Larry's turn to register. After he did, he was given a kit for their start-up starting the next week. He was so excited to be part of it and can't wait to share the news with Sophia.