Anna Gabriela had been dreaming of this day for as long as she could remember. The crisp morning air of the prestigious university campus filled her lungs as she stepped onto the walkway, clutching her neatly organized folder of enrollment papers. She was officially a freshman, a student of accounting technology in one of the country's most respected business and accounting programs. Her heart fluttered with excitement and a tinge of nervousness.
"Anna, slow down!" a familiar voice called.
Anna turned to see her cousin and best friend, Irene, jogging to catch up. Irene was her partner-in-crime, the one who had cheered her on through all the late-night study sessions and the countless applications. With her usual wide grin and boundless energy, Irene grabbed Anna's hand and tugged her toward the campus.
"You made it! I can't believe we're finally here together!" Irene said, practically bouncing on her toes.
Anna laughed, feeling her nerves ease. "I know, right? Four years of accounting—and we survived the entrance exams!"
The campus was buzzing with students hurrying to their first classes, the chatter of friends reuniting and the sound of wheels rolling on suitcases blending into a lively symphony of new beginnings. Anna and Irene paused for a moment, taking it all in. The modern architecture, the manicured lawns, and the grand clock tower standing proudly in the center of the campus—it was everything they had imagined and more.
Inside the business and accounting building, they joined a small group of other freshmen, each as eager and nervous as they were. A senior student, tasked with welcoming the newcomers, guided them through the corridors, pointing out classrooms, the library, and the cafeteria. Anna and Irene whispered to each other, sharing observations and quietly teasing the other students, finding comfort in their shared excitement.
When the orientation ended, the cousins found a quiet bench under a flowering tree. Anna pulled out her notebook, jotting down her goals for the semester: make friends, excel in her classes, and most importantly, enjoy every moment of this new chapter of her life.
"Don't forget," Irene said with a playful nudge, "we also have to survive the senior crush sightings. You know, the ones that make all the freshmen go weak in the knees."
Anna's cheeks warmed, just thinking about it. As if on cue, a tall figure walked past, radiating effortless charm. Anna looked away quickly, glancing at Irene, who raised an eyebrow and smirked knowingly.
"See?" Irene teased. "Freshman year just got interesting."
Anna laughed lightly, shaking her head. "Let's focus on classes first," she said, though the tiny spark of curiosity refused to fade.
With a final glance at the bustling campus, the cousins stood up together. This was their moment. Freshman year had just begun, and Anna Gabriela, with Irene by her side, was ready to embrace it fully.