To his surprise, it was from Kingsland University. He hesitated before opening it, a mix of hope and fear churning in his stomach. His hands became sweaty as he unlocked his phone trying to read through the message.
"Dear Ramon, after reviewing your application once more, we are pleased to offer you a conditional scholarship. Please contact our admissions office for further details."
Ramon stared at the screen in disbelief. A conditional scholarship was not a full acceptance, but it was a chance, a foot in the door. He quickly dialed the number provided, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Hello, Kingsland University Admissions, how can I help you?" a pleasant voice answered.
"Hi, this is Ramon. I received a message about a conditional scholarship?"
"Ah, yes, Ramon. Congratulations! The scholarship is conditional on your final semester grades and a personal interview. We believe you have great potential and want to give you an opportunity to prove yourself."
Ramon felt a surge of determination. "Thank you. When can I schedule the interview?"
"We can arrange it for next week. Does that work for you?"
"Yes, that's perfect. Thank you so much."
After hanging up, Ramon couldn't contain his excitement. This was the break he had been hoping for. Despite the weight of his father's past and the challenges ahead, he felt a glimmer of hope for his future.
The next few days were a blur of preparation. He focused on studying and rehearsing for the interview, determined to make the best impression possible. He also took care of the remaining house repairs, wanting to create a comfortable and stable environment for himself.
On the day of the interview, Ramon dressed in his best clothes and made his way to Kingsland University. The campus was as impressive as he had imagined, filled with students and a vibrant academic atmosphere.
The interview panel consisted of three professors, all of whom seemed genuinely interested in his story and his aspirations. Ramon spoke honestly about his past, his struggles, and his determination to succeed. He highlighted his academic achievements and his passion for his chosen field of study.
After the interview, Ramon felt a mix of anxiety and hope. He knew he had done his best and now it was out of his hands. As he walked back to his new home, he couldn't help but feel proud of how far he had come.
The following week, Ramon received another message from Kingsland University. With trembling hands, he opened it.
"Dear Ramon, we are pleased to inform you that you have been granted a full scholarship to Kingsland University. Welcome to our community. We look forward to seeing you achieve great things."
Ramon let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. He had done it. Against all odds, he had secured his place at Kingsland. The future looked brighter than ever, and for the first time in a long while, he felt genuinely hopeful about what lay ahead. He immediately set out to get few things he as going to be needing at his new school.
He needed to get some few exercise books and some textbook since the University had awarded him a scholarship. Ramon laid on his bed that evening and all he could think of was forging ahead. A new life where he could take hold of his future. He sighed as he drifted into a slumber.
The sound of the loud alarm woke him up. Looking at his wrist watch, Ramon dashed into the bathroom to have his bath and was soon out with a towel around his waist. He quickly got dressed and as soon on his way down to the university. Getting to the gate, Ramon couldn't believe his eyes, he saw different cars parked in front of Kingsland University. " Is this a school or some car auction place?"
He asked himself as he strapped his bag properly to his back. Entering the university, he was handed a map that would guide him to were he was going to get his admission properly signed.
After walking for about thirty minute, Ramon sighed removing the ear piece he had plugged into his ears. " The school is like a fucking maze." He said slowly bringing out the bottle of water from his back.
"Hello can you please show me the way to the admission office." Ramon asked one of the students coming his way but he was snubbed like he had some cow dungs on him.
Ramon looked at the way most of the students were dressed and he looked at himself. Without saying a word, he knew why he was avoided like a plague. But the fact was that Ramon had put on his best clothes trying to make the day just like any other student.
He heard the bell rang for the first class and he wasn't even done with the admission process. Ramon was about to start again when he heard a voice behind him.
"You seem lost. Do you need some help?" He looked back and was stunned to see an enigmatic male figure standing right in front of him.