Sarah paced back and forth across the grass on the outskirts of campus, watching as everyone milled about on the quad below. She smoothed down the front of her long, flowing skirt, before adjusting her glasses, and tucking a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. Her nerves had been on edge all week. Hyacinth State University was definitely not her first choice. She had heard all the rumors, and even knew about the nickname the students had given it, "Humiliation State".
A light, early autumn breeze caused her to shiver, as she contemplated making her way towards the rest of the new arrivals. She didn't have long to think before the sound of footsteps behind her caused her to jump and spin around. She eyed the tall, dark haired woman, who stopped in her tracks, and began to chuckle at Sarah's high strung reaction.
"Calm down." said the tall, slender upperclassmen. "I come in peace. I just noticed you hanging out here by yourself, and thought I'd come say hi. I'm Candice."
At first, Sarah couldn't respond, still shocked. "H-hi." she finally stammered, staring at the grass next to her white tennis shoes. "I'm Sarah."
"Nice to meet you, Sarah." Candice replied, patting her on the shoulder. "Look, I know how nerve wracking your first day can be, but you have nothing to worry about. Everyone else is more worried about themselves than you. Besides, you're gonna have to meet them some time."
The upperclassmen's tone was kind, and reassuring, filling Sarah with a new calm. The freshman nodded, and followed as Candice slid an arm around her shoulders, and guided her toward the group of fresh faced students. "Hey everyone!" Candice said, drawing everyone's attention, and causing Sarah to shrink slightly. Sarah had never enjoyed attention in any form, let alone from this many people at once.