Page 36 of Hailey Goes to College

“I think so. I don’t qualify for aid—my parents make too much money. But I can get help. Anyway, I can’t keep doing what I’m doing, I’ll go crazy. And if I decide I don’t want to be a theater major I can do poly sci or whatever. Like I told my mom—anyone can go to law school. Look at Elle Woods!”

“I’m so proud of you,” I say, giving her my biggest smile. “You can do this, Kelsey. You were so good in the play. You weren’t even the lead role and you stole the show.”

“Thanks,” she says, her eyes shining with gratitude. “I’m going to talk to the financial aid office tomorrow and see what I need to do to get started.”

“That’s a good idea. Do you think you’ll be able to change your major for the winter semester?”

“I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter. I’ll get everything settled for fall and finish the year with ged eds to please my parents. Then I can get a job over the summer, and save up for the school year. I’ll find a way to get aid and then I won’t have to worry about what they say.”

We spend the rest of the evening discussing her plans and brainstorming ways to make it work. It’s inspiring to see her so focused and determined. I’ve never seen her look so alive and happy as she does when she talks about theater and I know she’s making the right choice even though it might not be the easiest choice. Her dedication and sacrifices make me reflect on my own future and what I want to achieve.

The next day, Kelsey heads to the financial aid office while I attend my classes. When we meet up in the student center in the afternoon, she’s bursting with news.

“They said I qualify for a few scholarships,” she tells me, her excitement palpable. “And there’s a spot in the work-study program if I apply soon. I also found a job posting for a part-time position at a local theater. It’s perfect!”

“That’s amazing!” I exclaim, hugging her tightly. “I’m so happy for you, Kelsey.”

“I feel like things are finally falling into place,” she says, beaming.

As the next few days pass, Kelsey dives headfirst into her new plan. She applies for the scholarships, secures a spot in the work-study program, and even gets an interview at the local theater. Her determination and passion are inspiring, and it makes me think about my own path and what I truly want to pursue.

The wind is icy cold as I step out of my final exam. The weight of the semester lifts from my shoulders, replaced by a rush of relief and anticipation. Winter break is just around the corner, and soon I’ll be heading back to Arizona. But before that, I have one last thing to do—turn in my final article for the school newspaper.

I make my way across campus, the crunch of snow under my boots a reminder that winter is here and with it the end of the semester. The student center is busy with activity as everyone prepares to head home for the holidays. I push open the door, warmth enveloping me, and head straight to the newspaper office. The faster I get my story in, the faster I’m on break.

“Hey, Hailey!” Kevin, my editor, greets me as soon as he sees me. “Got your last article?”

“Yep, right here,” I say, handing over the flash drive. “I hope it’s good enough.”

Kevin takes the flash drive and plugs it into his computer. “I’m sure it’s great. You’ve done an amazing job this semester. Enjoy your break, you’ve earned it.”

“Thanks, Kevin. You too.” I give him a little wave goodbye and make my way back out of the office and weave my way through the student center. With my final task done, I head to the hot chocolate stand where Ryan and I agreed to meet. I’m torn between being elated to be finished with school for a while (and warm weather!) and sadness over being separated from Ryan. The thought of not seeing him for a few weeks feels wrong, but my parents would flip out if I missed a second holiday. And even though as much as I complain to Kelsey about my parents, I do miss them.

I turn the corner and spot Ryan waiting near the stand, his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets. He smiles as soon as he sees me, and my worries start to melt away.

“Hey, you,” he says, pulling me into a warm hug. “How’d your last exam go?” he asks before planting a quick kiss on my lips.

“It went well. And I just turned in my last article before the break to the paper, so I’m officially done for the semester.”

“Look at you! Officially finished with your first semester of college. I think I should buy you a treat.”

We order our hot chocolates and find a quiet spot to sit that’s had the snow dusted from it. The campus looks beautiful, blanketed in snow, with students walking around, full of excitement for the upcoming break.

“So, I guess this is it,” I say, trying to keep my tone light. “Winter break is here.”

Ryan nods, his expression serious but his features soft. “Yeah, it is. But it’ll be okay, Hailey. We will be okay,” he uses his fingers to gesture back and forth between us, “It’s just a few weeks.”

“I know,” I say, sighing. “It’s just… I’m going to miss you.”

He reaches across the table and takes my hand. “I’ll miss you, too. But it’s just a few weeks. I’ll send you pictures of animals, you’ll remind me what the warmth of the sun feels like. We can FaceTime when you’re alone in your bedroom…” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively, making me laugh.

“You’re right. I’m just being silly. We’ll be fine and the break will go by before you know it and we’ll be back here getting hot chocolate.”

“Absolutely,” he says, squeezing my hand. “And when you get back, we’ll have so much to catch up on. I’ll tell you all about how boring my time at home was without you.”

I scoff, pretending to be annoyed. “I better hear about your time at the farm in real time, not a catch-up weeks later.”

We sit there, drinking our hot chocolate, each mentioning a few plans for the break and reminiscing about the past few months. Before I even realize it, time has flown by, the sun is starting to set, casting a golden glow over the snowy landscape and causing the temperature to drop.

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