The first day of college arrived with a mix of emotions swirling within Kim. He woke up early, his nerves already starting to tangle with excitement. He had never imagined this moment would come. The fact that he was now standing on the threshold of one of the most prestigious universities in the country, a place that had always seemed so far out of reach, felt surreal. His alarm clock rang at 6 AM, signaling the start of what would be the first day of the rest of his life. But as the day unfolded, it became clear that this new chapter would be far from simple.


    The bus ride felt like a blur, and as he stepped off at the college stop, his heart began to race. Kim had walked by the grand gates of the university many times before, but now, stepping inside for the first time, he couldn’t help but marvel at its splendor. The campus was more than just a school—it was a world of its own. Massive stone buildings with soaring columns, lush green lawns that stretched for acres, and pathways lined with towering trees. Students walked by in tailored suits, laughing and chatting, their carefree demeanor only amplifying the differences Kim felt.


    As he entered the main gate, Kim couldn’t shake the feeling that he was an outsider. Everyone around him seemed so confident, so assured, their smiles radiant, as though they belonged here, as if this was just another day in their privileged lives. But for Kim, it was an entirely different experience. The grandeur of the campus both mesmerized and intimidated him. He had never been in a place like this. Everything about it—every intricate detail—spoke of wealth, power, and legacy. It wasn’t just a college; it was a monument to the elite.


    Kim felt like a fish out of water.


    He walked through the gates and stood for a moment, taking in the sweeping view of the campus. It was breathtaking, yes—but it was also alien. He hadn’t realized how much of a gap there was between the students who had come from wealth and those who hadn’t. Kim’s clothes were modest, his shoes worn from years of use. He didn’t look like he belonged here, and in truth, he wasn’t sure if he did. He had worked tirelessly to get into this place, and yet, the reality of it was overwhelming. Could he really fit in here, among the children of CEOs, politicians, and celebrities?


    The idea seemed both exhilarating and terrifying at the same time.If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.


    Walking along the paths, Kim passed by groups of students chatting, their voices full of casual confidence. They wore designer clothing, held their phones out in the air like a badge of honor, and discussed topics Kim could barely grasp. Their conversations were dominated by expensive brands, extravagant trips, and connections to the most influential people in society. He didn’t belong to their world, and it was painfully obvious. He could almost feel the judgment in the air, the invisible walls that separated him from the others.


    But Kim refused to let it break him. He had worked too hard to get here, and he wasn’t about to let something like this stand in his way. He had made a promise to himself and to his family that he would succeed here, no matter the cost.


    At his first class, he sat in the back, quietly absorbing everything, his mind racing with a million thoughts. He barely interacted with anyone, unsure of how to approach the wealthy students around him. Some of them threw him occasional curious glances, but none of them spoke to him. To them, he was just another scholarship student—someone who wasn’t meant to be here.


    But he kept his focus.


    As the day went on, Kim began to notice the subtle divide that ran through the university, one that no one openly spoke about but that was clear in every corner of the campus. The rich students walked around like they owned the place, moving through the halls with an air of superiority. Their arrogance was apparent in the way they dismissed anyone who wasn’t like them, anyone who didn’t have the same resources or the same background. The scholarship students, like Kim, were kept in the shadows, relegated to the corners of classrooms and the edges of social circles.


    Kim couldn’t help but wonder: How could he ever break through this divide? How could he ever climb the social ladder here, where the top was already so high, so unreachable?


    It seemed like an insurmountable task. But as he sat in class, he remembered why he was here in the first place. It wasn’t just about fitting in. It was about proving to himself—and to everyone else—that he belonged here. That he could make it, no matter what obstacles were placed in his way.


    By the time the first day came to a close, Kim was exhausted. His head was filled with a whirlwind of thoughts, his mind struggling to reconcile the fantasy he had dreamed about for so long with the harsh reality that he now faced. But no matter how overwhelming the world around him felt, one thing was certain: he wasn’t going to back down. The journey had only just begun, and Kim was determined to carve out a place for himself, no matter how difficult it might be.


    This was his chance. And he wasn’t going to waste it.