Snow’s Point of View:

"I don’t think I like this!" I said loudly, practically shouting to be heard over the noise as Zino, Karsten, and I stepped into the main hall.

The entire place was buzzing with activity—students crowding around, shouting to each other, laughing, and greeting friends. The noise was overwhelming, and I felt a pang of homesickness hit me out of nowhere.

I pulled my earbuds out of my bag, muttering to myself, “Thank God I brought these.”

Just as I was about to slip them in, Zino grabbed my hand. “Not yet,” he said with a grin. “Let’s get you settled first.”

I groaned, but let him pull me along as he and Karsten led me through the halls, weaving through groups of people.

The energy in the place was electric, but it was also exhausting. I wasn’t used to being in big crowds like this, and it felt like everyone was looking at me, even though I knew they probably weren’t.

Finally, we stopped at a desk where a lady greeted us with a welcoming smile. After a quick chat with Zino, she handed me my schedule, a paper filled with unfamiliar course names and times.

“Looks like you’re an art student,” Zino said, glancing at the paper.

I nodded, a bit uncertain. “Yeah. I guess it’s a good start, right?”

He patted me on the shoulder, smiling. “It’s perfect. Take the classes, get a feel for it, and if you want to change, you can. No pressure.”

Karsten gave me a reassuring nod. “Art’s a solid choice, Snow. You’ve got this.”

Their words helped a little, but as they prepared to leave me on my own, my nerves returned. Zino glanced back, noticing the look on my face. “We’ll be nearby, alright? Just wait for us when your classes are done.”

“Got it,” I said, forcing a smile. “Thanks, guys.”

They gave me quick waves before blending into the crowd, and just like that, I was alone.

Taking a deep breath, I put my earbuds in and clicked play. Cold Outside by Timaya and Bnxn started playing, and the familiar beat helped calm me a little as I walked toward my first class.

“It really is cold outside,” I mumbled, rubbing my arms as the lyrics washed over me. I kept my head down, avoiding eye contact, trying to blend in. But I could still feel the weight of everyone around me—talking, laughing, connecting. I felt like an outsider, like the new kid everyone was staring at.

I stepped into the classroom and paused, glancing around. Students were huddled in groups, chatting and laughing like they’d known each other forever. I swallowed, feeling an uncomfortable knot form in my stomach. I hate being the new kid.

I found an empty seat near the back and sat down, hoping to stay invisible. The music in my ears helped muffle the sounds around me, but it didn’t ease the loneliness creeping in. I had no idea who any of these people were, and I had no clue how to even start a conversation.

“Now what?” I whispered to myself, fidgeting with the strap of my bag.

Everyone seemed so at ease, so comfortable. And here I was, alone, clutching my earbuds like they were a lifeline.

I took a deep breath, reminding myself that this was only the first day. Things would get better. I just had to give it time.

But as I looked around, watching everyone else connect and chat, I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever really fit in here.