The recycled airplane air did nothing to dull Elena's excitement. Two years of chasing her dream, and finally, she was on her way to Westbridge University. The thrill of a new beginning pulsed beneath the constant drone of the engines. Her eyes lingered on the view outside the window, clouds drifting like torn cotton, and a smile stretched across her face so wide it almost hurt.
"Excited for your destination?" a flight attendant asked kindly, her smile as polished as the silver badge on her uniform.
"Absolutely!" Elena practically bounced in her seat.
The attendant chuckled knowingly. "Westbridge. Beautiful town. You'll love it."
As the attendant moved on, another voice cut through the background chatter.
"Is this seat taken?"
Elena looked up to see a girl about her age with bright hazel eyes and a friendly grin.
"Not at all," Elena said warmly. "Go ahead."
"Thanks. I'm Sophie," the girl introduced herself as she settled in. "Headed to Westbridge University?"
"That's me! Elena. Nice to meet you. I can't wait to explore the campus!"
Sophie laughed. "You'll fit right in. I'm from there, actually, so if you've got questions, fire away."
The next hour slipped past in a blur of conversation. Sophie's vivid descriptions painted Westbridge in Elena's imagination: cobblestoned streets shaded by old oak trees, a lively town square with weekend markets, and a campus steeped in history and traditions. Elena's anticipation swelled until her chest ached with it.
But beneath the thrill, a small worry gnawed at her. Stories she'd read online about "hazing rituals" in universities flickered in her mind.
"There's one thing…" Elena began hesitantly. "I've heard about hazing. Should I be worried?"
Sophie waved her hand dismissively. "It's worse in the sports fraternities. In computer science? You'll be fine. Trust me. New places always come with challenges, but you've got the look of someone who can handle it."
Elena nodded, half reassured, half still uneasy. Excitement wrestled with caution in her chest.
When the plane finally touched down, warm humid air enveloped her as she stepped into Westbridge. The terminal buzzed with life, students hauling suitcases, families shouting their goodbyes, staff weaving through the chaos with professional detachment. It was a colorful tapestry of energy, overwhelming yet exhilarating.
"New faces everywhere," Elena breathed, wide-eyed.
Sophie pointed ahead. "Look more students!"
A small group of international students clustered by the doors, their expressions mirroring Elena's own blend of awe and uncertainty. A flicker of camaraderie sparked between them, strangers bound by the same unknown.
The university shuttle pulled up with a loud rumble, painted bright yellow, gleaming under the afternoon sun. The students surged forward. The air around them practically crackled with nervous anticipation.
"Let's hop on," Elena said, her eyes shining with determination. "The next chapter starts now."
The ride to campus was a blur of countryside. Rolling green fields stretched endlessly, punctuated by little stone cottages and white fences. Church spires rose in the distance, and every turn revealed a postcard-perfect view. Elena pressed her face to the window, drinking it all in.
The bus finally pulled to a stop before a sprawling campus. The main buildings rose tall and proud, built in red brick with ivy crawling across their faces. Students bustled across the quad, their laughter and chatter filling the air.
A cluster of older students waited by the gates, relaxed but watchful. One stepped forward, a tall guy with messy brown hair and a welcoming grin.
"Hey, freshers! Ready for the adventure?"
"Yeah… but a little nervous," Elena admitted before she could stop herself.
He laughed. "We all were once. I'm Mark. Welcome to the family."
The first day was a whirlwind, introductions, campus tours, orientation speeches. Elena barely had time to breathe. Her fears slowly began to fade under Sophie's cheerful chatter and the seniors' easy humor.
The professors were nothing like she had imagined. Dr. Carter, head of their department, was jovial, passionate about his subject, and quick with a joke. Dr. Greene, who would be teaching data structures, had razor-sharp wit and eyes that seemed to miss nothing. Every faculty member radiated a genuine energy that felt contagious.
But the day wasn't without its shadows.
At lunch in the crowded canteen, Elena overheard whispers, rumors of a student who had spoken against unfair practices at a council meeting and was now being targeted by others. The details were vague, but the unease in the voices made her skin prickle.
Mark, the senior from earlier, noticed her troubled expression. "Rough day already?"
Elena hesitated. "I overheard something… about hazing."
His grin faded. "Yeah, it happens sometimes. But not much in our department. We keep a zero-tolerance policy."
Relief washed over her, though a small knot of worry remained. Mark must have sensed it, because he gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.
"Stick with us. You'll be fine."
His words steadied her, but Elena understood this wasn't going to be a carefree college adventure. Beneath the bright colors of Westbridge University lurked a darker undertone she hadn't expected.
That evening, she unpacked in the small dorm she now shared with Sophie. Two narrow beds, matching desks, and bare walls it was simple, but it was hers. The faint scent of lavender from her clothes grounded her.
"Welcome to our new home," Sophie said with a flourish. "Not much, but it'll do."
Elena tried to smile. "Yeah. Cozy enough."
Sophie studied her face. "What's wrong?"
Elena told her everything.
"That's awful," Sophie said when she finished. "But like Mark said, it's not that bad in our department. Some seniors might prank you, but nothing cruel."
Elena clung to her reassurance.
Sophie perched on the edge of her bed. "Listen, every place has its challenges. Back home, you probably dealt with cliques. Here, it's hazing. But you're not alone. You've got me, and the rest of the group. We'll face it together."
For a long moment, Elena just looked at her new roommate. Then a flicker of resolve sparked in her chest. Maybe Sophie was right. Maybe she could handle this.
Straightening her shoulders, she said, "I didn't come all this way to be scared off. If there are challenges, I'll face them."
Sophie grinned. "That's the spirit. Now come on. After dinner, I'll show you the hidden café by the library. Best hot chocolate you'll ever taste."
Elena laughed, the weight on her chest finally easing. Maybe life at Westbridge wouldn't be simple. Maybe it would be a mix of challenge and discovery, fear and joy.
And she was ready to face it.