The sun peeked through the curtains of Mia Thompson's tiny dorm room, casting a warm glow on the stacks of books piled haphazardly on her desk. It was the first day of classes at Crestwood University, and a mix of excitement and anxiety bubbled in her stomach. She had been dreaming of this moment for years, yet now that it was here, the reality felt overwhelming.

Mia took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She glanced at her reflection in the mirror—her chestnut hair was slightly tousled, and her hazel eyes sparkled with a hint of determination. "Okay, Mia, you’ve got this," she whispered to herself, adjusting her oversized sweater and grabbing her backpack.

As she stepped out into the bustling college campus, the sounds of laughter and chatter filled the air. Students hurried past her, some clutching coffee cups, others engrossed in conversations about their schedules. Mia felt a pang of nervousness. Would she fit in? Would she make friends?