Jessica's POV
Before I knew it, the third lecture had wrapped up. There were no lengthy introductions or icebreakers; we'd learned each other's names through spontaneous questions and answers in class.
Professors didn't care about our family backgrounds or prestigious surnames. In this space, "I'm Emily" or "I'm Ryan" was introduction enough.
For the first time in my life, I felt truly seen, not as a member of my influential family, but as an individual with my own dreams and aspirations.
As I packed up my belongings, Annabelle turned to me with a smile. "Surviving so far?"
I chuckled. "Barely. But I love it."
"My head aches," Annabelle complained, pouting adorably. "I'm glad there are only three lectures today. Otherwise, I don't know how I would've survived."
I chuckled at her dramatic expression.
"The lectures aren't even that intense," I teased. "I think we're all just rusty from not hitting the books for a while."
