Right after my mom drove out of sight, I stood for a minute, immediately wanting to call her for some reason. Could I be homesick already? But before I even have time to delve into my emotions, I hear Elizabeth's screams again, which can only mean one thing.

Mariana links her arm in mine and we all hurry over to the sleek black Cadillac that just pulled up to the curb. Before Elizabeth can say a word, the driver comes around from the front of the luxury SUV and opens the door for Charlotte, who takes her time stepping onto the sidewalk. Rather than providing her with the introduction Maddy and I had just received, Elizabeth was more reserved, probably shocked by the extravagance of the procedure we had all just witnessed. But Charlotte was unfazed. When she spotted us, she immediately began to squeal and skip right over to us to exchange hugs and greetings.

And now, it's just like how you would expect any group of teenage girls to act. A roar of squeals and laughter overwhelmed the six of us as we made references to Skype memories and inside jokes, like the time Lara's cat scared us all by jumping directly in front of the computer camera during one of our group chats. We begin to reminisce just like old friends that are reuniting after years apart.

What's left of my nerves and anxiety was quickly consumed by the excited energy that vibrated within me. I finally feel like I am home.

                                                            ↞↠  

After orientation, we pick up our things from Charlotte's driver and trek to our suite.

The housing system is one of the many reasons I applied to Yale. At other schools, the small, cramped dorms line hallways, similar to an apartment building. At Yale, you are assigned roommates as well as a suite. I like this because now, I had five best friends before I had even arrived on the campus. This removes some of the pressure of starting my life here.

Elizabeth is my "actual" roommate. We decided to randomly pick the assignments before we met in person just to make life easier. Mariana is rooming with Lara and Maddy with Char. On top of this, we all get to share a common room and bathroom. In my opinion, this layout is much better than a regular dorm.

Once we beautified our rooms, we made a list of snacks and extras to put the finishing touches on our suite as we began to discuss how much we finally feel like adults.

"I cannot believe I am even here right now! It feels like a dream." As Maddy reaches over to lightly pinch Elizabeth on the arm, we burst into a fit of giggles.

Mariana adds, "Just wait until classes start!" That sobered us right away as the nerves began to flare up. Even though we are all excellent students, we know that we are in the big league now. Yale University has a grand reputation and this is the time to mentally prepare each other for the hardships of freshman year at a prestigious Ivy League university.

I already researched all that I could about Yale's undergraduate Psychology program before I even applied. I've had my career path set since I started school and I know, even if things were to change (which I know they won't), that psychology is helpful in every career.

Elizabeth wants to major in Humanities because of her broad interests in philosophy, art, literature, music, and history. Mariana plans on majoring in Spanish. Maddy is focused on Comparative Literature. Charlotte wants to double major in Political Science and Economics. Lara is still deciding between the History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health and Neuroscience. We are all definitely going to have a lot on our plates.

Elizabeth quickly chimed in before we could each get distracted by our own doubts and fears surrounding our futures. "Instead of psyching ourselves out, why don't we work on relaxing. We'll all adjust. Don't worry. We wouldn't be here if we couldn't handle it." Even though we already know this, the thought of the pressure we know we will imminently face is not comforting. "I have an idea," Elizabeth continued," let's have a girl's night. You know nails, hair, face masks..."

"Good idea!" I notice that Lara is already retrieving her nail polish kit that she mentioned in our email correspondence while she is responding to Elizabeth's suggestion. Charlotte was already in her toiletry bag gathering all of her fancy French face masks. We are all quick to distract ourselves so our fears don't fester.

While the girls run around grabbing all of the spa supplies they can think of, my mind shoots to the kit that's currently packed away in my suitcase. But instead of pulling it out and providing a long and embarrassing explanation, I decided to pick out a movie to play.

As the coming attractions were playing in the background, Charlotte was already applying a purple mask to Mariana's face and Lara was applying a base coat of polish to Maddy's nails. I absentmindedly began to play with Elizabeth's hair as the movie started, trying to distract myself manually and visually, pulling out all my tricks to prevent my thoughts from taking over. I always stressed myself out too easily and I do not want to make myself sick before I even attend my first lecture.

I carefully watch the movie, only glancing towards my hands every-so-often, not really paying attention. Halfway through the movie, after Lara completed her detailed floral design on Elizabeth's nails, Charlotte turns to apply a green mask on her face. But as she looks up, a loud gasp makes everyone turn, concerned. I peel my eyes from the movie so I can see what's wrong.

"Oh My God! How did you do that?" I didn't comprehend what she was saying until I followed her eyes. I look down at the intricate updo that I had created from Elizabeth's hair. I realize all the girls are staring, some with their mouths gaping. Elizabeth is just as confused as I am.

"What's going on?" She suddenly realizes what everyone is staring at and lifts the hand mirror from the floor to her face to analyze what I had done to her hair.

Rather than saying anything, she just turns and looks up at me wide-eyed, her mouth gaping open in shock. I can tell that I'm starting to turn red because no one is saying anything!

Maddy broke the silence. "I only brought out a couple of bobby pins. How is that possible?"

I can tell they are all waiting for a response. Rather than thinking of a short, evasive answer or another way to avert their attention, I blurt out the truth that I had prayed no one here would ever know. "I grew up in my mom's salon. Whenever I wasn't doing schoolwork, I was helping her out. I officially got my cosmetology license when I turned seventeen this past fall." I immediately regret saying this. Now everyone is going to know that I am a hairdresser.

My face is probably crimson at this point, as I am overwhelmed with humiliation. I try to prepare myself for theall-too-familiar jokes and hazing that come with the territory.

"Do you realize how cool this is?" Maddy walked over and started touching Elizabeth's hair. I have to admit, it looks really good. I always loved doing updos when I was bored or anxious. It takes my mind off of life.

"This could be in a magazine!" Charlotte takes her phone out and starts to snap pictures. "Do you know how much people pay to get their hair done where I come from? And it's not nearly as nice as this. Not even close!"

"Thank you." Now I am kind of in shock myself. When my mom tells people what she does for a living, they automatically judge her. They never treat her the same after they find out. They label her as beneath them, uneducated, stupid... The list goes on. I hate how people treat her and how rude they are right to her face as if she doesn't work hard every day to provide for us. She is the reason that I am where I am. She taught me about passion, dedication, and loving what you do. But nobody ever looks past her profession; her label.

Now, Elizabeth is practically doing a photoshoot in the doorway. I start to laugh with the other girls.

Mariana turns from Charlotte's side and taps me on the shoulder. "Hey, Sara. Would you mind doing my hair too?"

In a split second, the girls gathered all of the hair supplies in the suite and are now putting themselves in order for updos.

I take a minute to go to my room and grab my kit. But before I turn off the light, I take my phone from the desk and text my mom, "Thank you so much for packing my kit! I have a feeling it might come in handy. I love you, Mom."

Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to read my work. I hope you like it!

I plan on updating every Friday.

I would love to hear from you in the comments and will try to respond to all of them.

This is the first time I'm sharing my work, so any and every comment and vote is appreciated. I am open to helpful advice and constructive criticism, predictions, questions, etc., even if it has nothing to do with the story and you just want to know more about me.

I only ask that you please be respectful to everyone in the comments and to please not copy my work.

Once more, thank you, and I hope I see you again next week!

*I do not own the Yale Pennant Photo. This is the link for that photo: https://yale.bncollege.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Yale_Bulldogs_Pennant_from_Collegiate_Pacific/ProductDisplay?parentCatId=40364&imageId=829008&level=&graphicId=R140790&categoryId=40414&catalogId=10001&langId=-1&storeId=16556&productId=400000011246&topCatId=40350

*I do not own the Parks and Recreation gif. This is the link for that gif: https://giphy.com/gifs/parks-and-recreation-rashida-jones-ann-perkins-10FTLZ8BmI5VRK

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