The day started with a bang!
My eyes popped open and I jumped up out of bed. My alarm read 7:42. I ran to my dresser and grabbed a shirt and a scarf while hopping around, trying to pull up my jeans and put on my "fashionable"combat boots.
I ran into the kitchen while throwing my hair up into a messy bun, surveying the mess that Jackie just created. It wasn't as bad as it could have been...there were only a few books scattered across the floor and a table knocked over.
She stood next to the mess smiling and proud. I grabbed my old bag that also served as my backpack and stuffed in my neuroscience book. It was practically tearing at the seams but I refused to get a new one.
Maybe it is because I am spending all my money on medical school...or maybe it is because I am a stubborn creature of habit and refuse for my life not to go as planned, but my day is not going as planned.
I dumped some of the coffee from the pot into an orange coffee mug from the shop down the street. I still can't remember its name...I'll remember when I start to acclimate to this new town.
I ended up spilling some of the coffee on the floor and on my arm, but it didn't matter, it was lukewarm anyway. I looked over at Jackie as she stood beaming at her mess. I ran to the bag of half priced dog food and scraped the last few cups out, throwing them somewhere in the direction of her bowl and hoping it would make her tantrum subside.
Grabbing my keys and my phone next to the knocked over table, I ran out the door, scrabbling to get the key into the lock. Sprinting down the hall towards the elevator, jabbing the button a few times, maybe slightly more aggressive than necessary...after tapping my foot a few times with impatience I looked at my phone.
It was 8:03. I had 27 minutes to get to class. I ran to the stairs and practically fell down the five flights to the lobby of the building. I knew I looked like a ridiculous mess with coffee flying everywhere but at this point, I didn't care.
I saw the bus go by and chased it for two blocks until in came to a stop. I hopped on, sighing with relief. I knew going to medical school would be difficult, but I was going to prove to my parents that I was capable of the workload as well as living on my own in a new city.
Out of habit, I felt for my necklace. It was a small locket my grandmother gave me. Though there was nothing inside of it, it was still a reminder that my grandmother supported me, even if my parents didn't. It was my greatest source of comfort.
I placed it back under my scarf and waited four more stops until I heard "Daymar University and Medical School"over the bus speakerphone. Glancing at my phone it was 8:23. I could make it. I rushed out of the bus and dashed down the street.
At the corner of St. Charles Ave. and Gold Maple St., I saw the sign "Daymar University's Medical School". As I approached the building, I began rummaging through my worn out bag and pulled out my wallet.
I heard the beep as I swiped my card through the scanner and heard the click of the door. I ran to the elevator and slipped in just as the doors were closing. Glancing at my phone again, it was 8:27. I could not be still in the elevator.
Waiting for each beep as I approached my floor was agonizing. When I finally reached my floor for class, I ran out of the elevator and down to the end of the hall. In the corner room, there was a small plaque next to the door reading "Neuroscience-Professor Krenshaw".
I walked in casually and took a seat. The clock on the left wall of the room read 8:29. I released a stream of air and began to pull out my textbook, pencils and notes. The class lasted two and a half hours.
After extensive notes along with the questioning of each student, Professor Krenshaw dismissed the class. I walked down the hall from whence I came and calmly climbed onto the elevator. After leaving the Medical building, I proceeded to the bus stop and headed back to my apartment. After sitting on the bus for a few minutes my stomach began to growl.
I considered going to a restaurant in town but I was too exhausted from the lecture. I got off a few stops later near my Dreamwood terrace apartment in a tired trance. Somehow I make it back up to my apartment and unlock the door. Jackie comes to greet me, but I barely notice.
I drop my bag and keys near the still fallen table and stumble into my bedroom. Falling on the bed I sleep until I am woken at about 5:30 by the sound of my phone alarm.
Another reminder to get Jackie more food. This time I actually have to wake up and buy the food because the remains of her food were gobbled up hours ago from the floor.
Slowly, I get up and find my phone, keys and bag where I left them. Leaving my neuroscience textbook in my apartment, I put a leash on Jackie and sling my bag onto my shoulder. I lead her down the stairs and out the back door so that no one sees her.
If anyone does, I'll be evicted. We walk to the pet store down the street and purchase her food. Walking back to the apartment, I realize I have not eaten today. I sneak back upstairs with Jackie.
Do not underestimate the difficulty of this task. We arrive safely in our apartment in just enough time. Another neighbor opens the door just as Jackie races inside the apartment. I shut the door quickly and begin to make dinner.
As I am cooking the noodles, the lights shut off along with the stove and my hope of a warm meal. I open the fridge and find an old sandwich to eat. I sit down on the couch in my makeshift living room and think about the day.
Though it was not the best I'd ever had, I proved that I can maneuver my way in a big city as well as take care of myself. Sitting on the small couch with Jackie and my old sandwich, I don't wish to be anywhere else.
