Chapter 241
It marked a new academic year at Rosefrost University the following day. The opening ceremony was grand, with speeches from the principal, distinguished professors, and a student representative. While most attendees got accustomed to the enthusiasm of these speeches, Morwenna listened with earnest admiration, thoroughly impressed by the eloquence on display.
As the ceremony concluded, Morwenna was still visibly moved by the speeches, her eyes shining with admiration. Sitting beside her, Dahlia couldn’t help but remark dryly, “Why so excited? There’ll be the freshman welcome party in two weeks, and we’ll need to elect a freshman representative to give a speech, not to mention the performances. It will be a hassle with all the competition for spots.”
Ever curious and excited, Morwenna replied, “We get to watch performances, too? That doesn’t sound like a hassle at all. Performances at Rosefrost University must be amazing.”
Her naivety was evident. Everything about the new school and the learning opportunities filled her with anticipation. Most students were looking to relax after the stress of the SAT, but Morwenna was different. She had a strong desire to learn and discover the
unknown.
Dahlia felt a generational gap between them. How could college students be so innocent?
Morwenna thought she would only be a spectator at the performances. Her grades, though the best in her rural hometown, were only average at Rosefrost University, making her an unlikely candidate for the freshman speech. She couldn’t sing or dance, always stepping on Stuart’s feet. So, performing seemed out of the question, too.
Convinced she’d just be watching the performances in two weeks, Morwenna threw herself into her studies, enrolling in every compulsory and elective course she could fit into her schedule. After classes, she would rush to the university’s vast library, which brought her immense joy.
Back in her small town, resources had been scarce, and the internet unreliable. The struggle wasn’t due to a lack of intelligence or effort but rather the accessibility of educational resources. At the time, like a sponge thrown into a lake, Morwenna eagerly absorbed all the knowledge around her, briefly forgetting her initial plans to work part–time to support herself.
That was until a week later when she received a notification from the student council. She was chosen to give a speech as the representative at the welcome party.
Stunned, Morwenna couldn’t understand why they chose her. She didn’t see herself as very outstanding. The student council’s planner saw her in the library, her bewildered expression prompting a kind explanation. “We considered many factors. Coming from a remote area with limited educational quality and achieving your scores is commendable. You represent what new students can achieve.” As they stepped out of the library to avoid disturbing others, Morwenna, still confused, asked, “But why do I have to perform as well?” The planner smiled reassuringly. “Don’t worry. It’s a simple play. We’ve been observing many new students, and your sincere, hardworking, and positive attitude stood out. We’d like you to be in a play. It would be nice if you could invite an alumnus to join you in the performance.”
Morwenna felt helpless. “But I’ve just arrived at Rosefrost Hollow. I don’t know any graduates who could join me.”