MIKI
"Springdale Institute is a school that everyone dreams of entering, especially students with an abundance of potential that shines in the biggest crowd that you'll ever imagine. It takes in students through interviews and aptitude tests to ensure that you're the right fit for such a competitive environment. It's not an easy feat for sure, only the most talented and studious applicants have such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!"
The principal's face lights up over her face, welcoming potential students with a joyous expression. The projector screen displayed multiple achievements that were made throughout the years, from academics to various school competitions. The presentation ended off with a montage clip of how school life is like in Springdale Institute. It astounded my eyes of how splendid the school feels like! A thunderous roar of claps vibrated throughout the school hall, hopeful looks were plastered on the audiences as well as impressed faces appearing on teachers.
Springdale Institute has been the school of my dreams, I've always wanted to go for their open house and attend a briefing talk by the well-known principal, Mrs. Alyssa Lee. She's well recognized for her long-term service and commitment towards the school's learning environment and doing her utmost best. There have always been high praises about her from other institutions about the changes she made to the school and it was even covered under media for her remarkable effort.
"Thank you for being here on a weekend, your precious time is appreciated!" Mrs. Lee bowed and thanked the audience for coming down.
Mrs. Lee passed on the microphone to the Student Council President, Atiqah, with the continuation of the flow with the welcoming speech. "Dear students, please go ahead and group up with the student ambassador you're assigned to – following the same color sticker as the flag that they are holding. We'll start the official school tour in about 15 minutes, enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"
Nur Atiqah, is considered one of the best students in the cohort for her exemplary performance in academics and sports. She's covered in a beautiful tanned skin and surrounded by a comforting aura that attracts people to her. Easily selected as one of the Student Council member and voted majority to be the Student Council President, she uphold her values and influence other students with her own experiences and helping to shape up the school community.
After the announcement, the rest of the students were chatting among themselves and mingling with new faces - excitement filling up a brand new environment. The teachers were also discussing among themselves, sharing about their teaching plans for the new batch of students. Unfortunately, I'm not the best at putting myself out there and talking to strangers...
There was a small group of people surrounding Mrs. Lee, eager for her to answer their queries. I approached them, finding my courage to squeezing through figures that seemed like high-rise towers. I'm almost too small to be seen...she finally turned towards my direction, a gentle smile appeared on her face.
"Mrs. Lee, what was it that made you want to enter Springdale Institute as a principal?"
"Helping a community grow has always been something I'm passionate about, before I came here, I was mentoring youths and adults. And now, I'm working with teachers who bring out the best in their students! I really love what I do. I hope you'll find it too!" Mrs. Lee's eyes brighten while expressing vividly of her memories.
"I'm still in a search, but I know I'll get there someday!"
"I'm sure you will, I'm looking forward to your application for Springdale Institute!" The principal shook my hand and spoke with enthusiasm.
"Y-Yes, my name's Miki! Thank you, your speech was indeed inspiring!" My words blurted out with nervousness with a look of excitement on my face.
Mrs. Lee smiled back kindly and waved me goodbye before she headed towards other students who were eagerly waiting to speak to her.
--
"Miki!" A familiar voice rang in my direction.
"Erika! You've made it just in time before we're allocated to our respective student ambassadors!" Waving excitedly to the brown-headed individual dressed in a black crop top with ripped jeans, matched with black boots - calling out from the across the hall, spotting her from a distance where she's heading towards me.
"Yeah! Nathan was being such a fuss, he kept crying on the doorstep...took me awhile to bring him to school." Erika sighed, sweats trickling down her forehead, wiping it off hurriedly.
"First day of school, he must be nervous...Did you do the magic trick that always makes him listen to you?" I nudged Erika on the shoulders teasingly.
"Those M&M's always work out perfect! Told him if he could make it through without crying while he reached the school gates, I'll keep it a secret from Mum that I gave him a little more!"
We chuckled at how brilliant it always was to make sure Nathan listens to Erika, she's really good with children! He can be really disobedient sometimes, but really knows how to take care of the house when their mother's busy with overnight shifts in the hospital and when her sister is busy in school - both of them tries their best for their mother.
"Anyways, how was the principal's speech earlier? Did you get to meet Mrs. Lee?" Erika asked, while linking my arms with hers.
"Yeah I did, it was amazing! She said she was looking forward to my application in Springdale Institute!" My eyes beamed with excitement, imagining about a glorious school life I'll be anticipating about.
Erika and I have been best friends since secondary school, been inseparable when we first met each other. We went through heartbreaks together, and conquered life even after all those setbacks we had to face. We decided to apply for Springdale Institute after working so hard for such a prestigious school! It's the best of the best after all. Who wouldn't?
Thankfully, both of us were grouped together under Team Blue. I can't imagine myself crowded around men in general, a chill went through my spine thinking about it.
Erika placed her arm around my shoulder, patting gently from behind. "I know it seems intimidating to be around guys since we were both from a girls school. I'll be here, 'kay?"
"Oh god, thank you..." I heaved a sigh of relief, smiling a little - the tension on my shoulders finally relaxing after the assurance.
"If any men dares to come near you, I'll use what I've learnt in taekwondo! Like this...HIYAAA!" Erika turned 45 degrees from her angle, displaying a roundhouse kick proudly.
She didn't notice that there was someone nearby and knocked onto his back with strength, before I could holler out her name for a quick warning.
"Erika, look out!"