I stood in awe as I stared at the view in front of me. So this is where I will learn and practice my skills into becoming a filmmaker! I pulled my luggage and greeted the guard cheerfully as I showed him my documents as evidence that I am ENROLLED in this University. It was a chilling day but I'm feeling bright and sunny. I'm so excited!!!
I made my way into the dorm. I bowed my head to students who were walking around the campus and in the hallways of the dormitory.
"Room 304. Okay. That's the third floor." This is gonna be so tiring. I went to the elevator only to be greeted by an ‘under maintenance’ sign. I carried my luggage as I slowly climbed up the stairs. Good thing I only brought one luggage, a hand carry bag, and a backpack. My other things will be sent to me through post.
"304, 304, 304. Okay here we go." I punched in my door code and the door opened.
The room is a size good for two. I chose a shared room as this is less expensive than solo rooms. I placed my things on my side of the room. I wonder who my roommate will be.
I started to fix my things.
First, I took out some tissues, a rag, and cleaning spray to clean up the dust in my bed, cabinet, and desk. The room has two bunk beds. One for each student. Under the bunk bed is the desk, drawers and other storage room. And beside the bed is the cabinet or closet. This is really nice.
When I finished cleaning up everything, I decided to take out my clothes and arrange and hang them in my closet. I was surprised when the door suddenly opened. Standing at the door was a girl, who I can tell is around my age. A little taller than me, and kind of chubby. She has small eyes and a fair complexion.
"Hello. I'm your roommate."I waved at her as I greeted her. "My name is Eunice." I held out my hand to give her a handshake. She took my hand and shook it.
"I'm Jeanny. From Indonesia." She bowed too, and we smiled at each other. Asian! She's Asian! Whew. I found my brethren. Haha.
"I'm glad I share a dorm with you." She said as she placed down her things on her side of the room. "I am actually awkward around people. I don't know how to interact. But seeing we're from the same continent, I'm happy." She squealed in excitement and jumped up and down as she held my hand. I started to jump with her and both laughed. This is so funny.
"I am very happy too." I was beyond happy. I felt like I found a family.
I am an introvert and being with someone who almost has the same customs or traditions or environment as you, it can be relieving. It gives me a sense of familiarity and belongingness. Everyone needs a friend on their first day of school.
I helped Jeanny unpack her things and we decided to tour the campus afterwards. It was really beautiful. And since it's a little bit too early for us yet, we decided to get toiletries and other necessities for our dorm room. I want to buy decorations but I figured it's too soon for that. Plus, I'm budgeting my money until my next allowance and until I find a job.
We strolled around New York and bought what we needed. I bought bed sheets and pillows for my bed since only the mattress was provided. Before going back to the dorms we decided to have dinner. We decided to eat korean pork belly at a nearby restaurant. This restaurant actually specializes in soups and noodles, but they also have Korean barbecue so we opted for that.
"Aaaaahhh!!!" Jeanny suddenly screamed. Good thing there's only a few people inside the restaurant.
"Why? What's wrong?" I asked in confusion and worriness. I followed her as she walked towards the tv and squealed in excitement, and then she started singing. She started dancing to The Wildes’ 24 Signs of Summer.
"Seriously? I thought something bad happened to you." I stared at her in annoyance but I burst out laughing at her moves.
"Eunice! I’m a big fan of The Wildes" She chanted as she waved her hand in the air. I stared at her in shock. This girl is crazy.
"Hey, you're embarrassing us. Let's go." I pulled her to our seats.
"You know, its my dream to meet them! I'm now one step closer to them since I breathe the same air as them." I just stared at her. Speechless. "Don't you like them? Are you an anti?"
I laughed out loud at her question.
"Oh no. Are you kidding me? I like their songs, they inspire me sometimes. Sometimes it makes me emotional. I love all of them, and I find all their personalities appealing. I spend hours watching their reality shows, and I am also dreading to meet them, but I don’t think I’m that big of a fan, unlike you." I answered her truthfully. Cause I really like them. I love them. But I can't call myself a die-hard fan.
"Ooohhhh..." she looked at me with playful eyes. She's teasing me. And then suddenly she just started singing again. I covered my ears as I begged her to stop. She stopped when the waiter approached us to give us the menu. We ordered and we started eating happily. We talked about a lot of things. From our lives, dreams, to music and dramas to food and a whole lot more. I feel so good.
As we walked towards the counter to pay, I saw a sign posted in their bulletin board: Part Time Worker Wanted! I immediately took the sign off the board and went to the counter. I asked the cashier which is the same guy who served us. Maybe they're really in need of another pair of hands.
"Hi. Can I apply for this?" He looked at the sign and back at me and called out to who I think is the owner.
"Mom! Someone wants to apply." A beautiful lady came out of the kitchen.
Mom? Is he her son? Wow. She looks so young and beautiful. No wonder his son is quite good looking. He looks like a celebrity. The lady greeted with a smile.
"Sure. Come by tomorrow at lunch. And bring your resumè."
"Thank you!"
I then headed out to meet Jeanny who’s already waiting.
"Why are you looking for a part time job?" Jeanny asked as we walked towards the bus stop.
"Well, living in New York is quite expensive. I don't want to burden my parents so much. I just want them to focus on my school fees and I'll try to figure out the rest." Jeanny just nodded. We rode the subway back to our dorms.
I placed my bed sheets in my bed and my new pillow and flopped my body onto it. Ahhhhhh. This was a good day. I'm glad it turned out this way.