Chapter 1

AlexandriaI never thought the day would actually come my first day of college at San Jose State University. I'm Alexandria, though everyone calls me Lex, and I've been dreaming of this moment for as long as I can remember. I'm 18, a proud nursing major, and ready for this new adventure, even if it means stepping away from the comfort of my small-town life in Lexington, Massachusetts. As I look out my window at my new apartment just a block from campus, excitement and nerves bubble up inside me like a shaken soda can. The campus isn't huge—it only takes about ten minutes to walk from one end to the other but I love its intimate vibe.

I remember the week before, when my family came over to help me move in and we toured the campus together. It was a whirlwind of boxes, laughs, and "remember-when" stories that made me feel both nostalgic and hopeful for the future. My apartment is small but cozy, just enough space for my essentials and a little corner where I can dream up all sorts of plans for the semester. The idea that I get to walk to campus every day fills me with a sense of freedom and a little bit of pride—I mean, who wouldn't want the luxury of a ten-minute stroll to class instead of a long, exhausting commute?

As I settle into this new chapter, I can't help but think about my lifelong best friend, Will. We go way back to our early childhood in Lexington, when our moms first bonded over shared laughter and an uncanny similarity in our baby pictures. Will, with his goofy smile and boundless energy, has always been more like the brother I never had. Our moms, both fiercely devoted and endlessly kind, had this vision from the moment we were born—they were determined that we'd grow up side by side, and they weren't wrong. Despite them wanting us to be destined to end up together more than friends, we still remained close even just as platonic non-blood siblings. Even now, as I prepare for my first semester at college, our bond feels as strong as ever.

Will's a character, that's for sure. I still laugh when I remember the memory from last week—he came over while I was moving in, and, in his usual overenthusiastic way, decided to check the fire alarms in the apartment by trying to cook toast. Yes, toast. He set the toaster on overdrive, totally forgetting about it mid-action when we got distracted by a heated round of Mario Kart. I couldn't help but tease him endlessly about it—he's protective and caring in his own, sometimes hilariously clumsy, way, but I wouldn't trade our friendship for anything. Luckily he lives in the area since he's apart of the San Jose Sharks so he'll be around and we can hang out more and I am so immensely proud of how far he's come with all his hard work. He even invited me to come out to any of his practices if I wanted to since the SAP center is just down the road from campus.

I suppose growing up in Lexington with Will had its own kind of magic. Our childhood was filled with endless afternoons spent inventing wild adventures in our backyards, our laughter echoing off walls of our homes while our moms gossiped in the background together. Our moms, who were inseparable friends since high school, would often reminisce about the time when we were just tiny bundles of energy, playing with toys and giggling at the silliest things. I remember my mom showing me a faded photo album last week as a farewell gift to keep with me, it was filled with snapshots of Will and me in matching onesies, surrounded by scattered building blocks and plush animals. Along with a bunch of photos with my parents like me running around and then trying to catch me.

Now, here I am, stepping into adulthood and all its complexities. College is going to be a rollercoaster of emotions, endless exams, and late-night study sessions, but it's also a place where I can redefine who I am. I've always been smart and funny—able to crack a joke when the mood calls for it and serious enough to know when it's time to buckle down and focus. As a nursing major, I know that there's a lot at stake: the lives I'll one day be responsible for, the compassion I'll need to muster even on the hardest days, and the countless exams I need to pass to make my dreams come true. Still, I'm determined to do it all, and I'm ready to embrace every moment with the same open-hearted enthusiasm I've always had.

Speaking of enthusiasm, there's someone new I've been getting to know already—my housemate, Gabi. We haven't met in person yet, but our Instagram chats have been a delightful mix of nervous excitement and genuine connection. Gabi seems like such a fun and kind person, and every time my phone buzzes with one of her messages, I feel like I'm one step closer to starting this adventure with someone who truly "gets" me. We've spent hours texting back and forth, sharing our fears and hopes about the upcoming semester, and even though we've never met face-to-face, I already feel a connection that's both comforting and exhilarating.

Family, in fact, is also a huge part of who I am. I come from a tight-knit group of people who've always been my anchor. My parents, who have supported my every whim and dream. I'm also incredibly close with Will's family—especially his sister, Grace. Grace has been like the sister I never had, someone who's close in age and understands the weird, wonderful dynamics of growing up with someone like Will by your side.

I remember one particularly sunny afternoon back in Lexington, when both our families decided to have a big picnic in the park. Our moms had been planning it for weeks, determined to recreate that sense of familial warmth that they cherished from their own childhoods. As we spread out on a patch of soft grass under a giant oak tree, I found myself nestled between Will and Grace, laughing over stories of our mischievous antics as kids. There was a moment when our moms exchanged knowing glances is what we were referring to and sometimes shocked to hearing stories they never heard of before.

The journey ahead may be challenging—full of late nights in the library, moments of self-doubt, and the pressure to excel—but I know I have a support system that's strong.

Of course, there's an underlying current of nervousness that I can't quite shake off. What if I fail one of my classes? What if I'm not cut out for the intense demands of a nursing program? What if I get too distracted with friends or something? These questions echo in the back of my mind as I make my way to class, but I try to push them aside. I remind myself that I've faced challenges before, and with each one, I've grown stronger, more resilient. I lean on the memory of my mom's gentle encouragement, her words of wisdom echoing in my ears whenever doubt creeps in. "You've got this, Lex," she would say, brushing a stray lock of blonde hair out of my face. "Remember, it's not about being perfect; it's about doing your best and learning from every mistake." And really, isn't that what life is all about?

I'm sure there will be parties here and there but I know my focus has to remain on the degree and the future I'm building for myself. The dreams of becoming a nurse, of caring for people which fuels me with a sense of determination.

I'll be honest: I'm a bundle of nerves and excitement all rolled into one as I step out of my apartment for my very first walk to class. Here we go.. 

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That's chapter 1! Hope you guys enjoyed, please let me know how I can improve or change it if you guys have any suggestions,Don't forget to vote if you like this chap 🫶🏼🫶🏼