As the sun-filled Cecilia, Kentucky, excitement, and nervousness filled the air. She’d been waiting for decision day for months. Counting down the days, from coloring pictures, adding and subtracting, multiplying and dividing, to Spanish, it all led up to this moment of anxiety. The extra-curricular activities her parents drove and picked her up from were in preparation for getting a scholarship or a full ride to college. 

She’d been dreaming of attending college at the University of Kentucky, a couple of hours away from her hometown. She could see herself walking the halls, attending class, and going to sporting events as her family’s been Wildcat fans since before she could remember. 

The button that read, “Your application portal has an update,” stared back at her. Her heart was racing and her hands were trembling and sweaty. As she entered her login information, a sense of nervousness overcame her. 

What if I don’t get in? Or what if I don’t get a scholarship? she thought to herself.

The screen loaded and the word “Congratulations” popped up on the screen as she screamed with excitement. Tears rolled down her face as she realized she got scholarships from the University as well. Her family was so proud as their little girl’s work had finally paid off. 

The days were filled with celebration and excitement as she slowly got everything ready to leave at the end of the summer. Her family helped pack her bags and get her dorm supplies all together. 

She got settled into her dorm, ready for her new adventure. She filled her room with Wildcats everywhere and hung up a light-up sign that read, “Emma.” 

She was on cloud nine and ready to make the University of Kentucky her new home as she prepared for this new stage of life.