GEMINI.
Hi there! I'm Gemini Avery Rivers! I'm eighteen years old, male, above five feet...I think. Messy brown hair, weird blue eyes and a first year University student. I know what you're thinking...isn't my name a little too girly for a boy? And you are absolutely right! My parents were in fact expecting a baby girl but they got me instead, but don't worry, they loved me even more!
Okay!!!...moving on from that awkward intro.
Let's get back on track, shall we?
I'm absolutely thrilled to tell you about my school, the one and only esteemed St. Moore University. As the crown jewel of private institution, St. Moore is not just any university. We're the crème de la crème, the kind of institution that turns eager minds into future leaders. With cutting-edge facilities that put other universities to shame, our sprawling campus offers diverse courses—from natural sciences, social sciences to the vibrant arts—something for every curious mind.
Amazing right?
Okay, let's be real for a second, alright?: there are elite Universities, and then there's St. Moore –the ultimate 'It' University that every ambitious student dreams of attending after highschool.
You're not really getting the gist yet, are you?
Now, picture this: with a whopping twenty eight thousand acres of pristine land, all backed by generational wealth that could make even the most seasoned banker do a double-take. Our founders got a little carried away and really let their imaginations run wild by curating a campus that feels almost like something from a Sci-fi movie.
Everything feels like a dream here. As you wander beyond posh auditoriums and state of the art research labs, you'll stumble upon large fields and forests buzzing with life. I mean, I've seen deers casually munching on leaves as if they owned the place!
And, let's not forget about the sweet perks that makes our downtime just as memorable: golf courses and a massage parlor (which, I must confess, I haven't tried yet—but it's definitely on my bucket list!). I'll go when I've conjured enough courage to walk in there while those snobbish kids are there. That might never happen now that I'm thinking about it.
For over three decades, St. Moore University has proudly produced exceptional scholars, and honestly, who could blame them? The university's reputation and jaw-dropping tuition ensure that only the very best of the best step through these grand gates. When I say 'the best' I'm not just talking about academic stars. We're talking about the heirs and heiress of the ultra-wealthy—the kind of families you see gracing the covers of lifestyle magazines with their huge mansions and private jets, their influence stretching far beyond their jaw-dropping bank accounts.
I wish someone had warned me about them sooner, honestly.
Getting into St. Moore? Well, let's just say the admission process is a competition like no other—a true test of endurance and intellect. No matter your background or connections—everyone is held to the same almost impossible high standards. Even those born with silver spoons in their mouths can't simply waltz in as they please; they must pass through a daunting process of intellectual horror before given admissions.
This rigorous selection process is a proof of the university's commitment to the 'Achievement-based system' and part of why the Founders have earned so much respect over the years. Their philanthropic contributions to society, particularly through the Non-Profit Charity Foundation they established, have made a real impact. Their scholarship programs are especially noteworthy, helping deserving and less financially buoyant students pursue their dreams.
And it just so happens that five of those coveted scholarships are awarded to students at St. Moore University each year. This is exactly where my story begins—a tale of resilience and opportunity, and the tangled complexities that comes with both.
The scholarship is a hot commodity, with thousands of hopefuls battling for just five spots each year. Honestly, I still can't believe I was among the lucky five this year, awarded a full ride to study here at St. Moore University.
I still remember that day like it was yesterday—the moment the red envelope encrusted with the golden Lion arrived. It felt like it was glowing with a mystical energy. My heart raced as I hesitated to open it, preparing for the worst. But instead of disappointment, I was met with these:
"Congratulations, you have been awarded a full scholarship to study Architecture at St. Moore University!"
I remember almost screaming my grandma's ears off with excitement.
Isn't it funny?
St. Moore wasn't even on my list of top choices at first! I mean, it wasn't even my second choice! I had applied to four schools in total and had already received two full-ride offers that week. But there was something different about St. Moore that other places just didn't have at the time.
You might be wondering, what had fueled such determination in me?
Well, It was the condescending tone from my high school guidance counselor when she first spoke of St. Moore that changed everything. I can still picture that conversation as if it was yesterday. I was in her office during one of my free periods to discuss universities that offer scholarships with good programs because I'm obviously broke if that's my number one worry when I'm thinking of schools to attend despite my high grades. It was then she handed me a list of 'suitable' universities with a patronizing smile.
"You could get into any of these schools with your grades…" she said, but then her smile faded as she locked eyes with the first university on the list she'd viciously circled in red. "except that one. Don't bother applying; you won't get in." like what the actual hell?
To think a guidance counselor would be nicer about things like that.
Those words were stuck in my mind for weeks, fueling the competitive fire within me. It became my mission to prove her wrong, to show her that I could in fact get in! I wanted to rub it in her face when it happened. So, with every ounce of resolve I had, I set my sights on St. Moore University.
In the months that followed before graduation, I studied like a mad man in preparation for St. Moore's screening tests, It was then realized I was doing it for self-validation—it was more for me before anyone else. I became addicted to the rush of accomplishments and pride that comes with knowing I'd indeed achieved something others thought I couldn't.
My grandma was worried about me, she had tried to comfort me by saying I didn't need a piece of paper to validate my worth. But I thought, "Oh, Grandma, if only you knew." I was already addicted to the adrenalin of achievement.
I have always been the best at everything since childhood. My parents were so proud of me when they were alive, and my grandma? Well, she told anyone who would listen about her genius grandson. My grades were always the highest in school, and I graduated as valedictorian, crowned the overall best graduating student in my district.The pressure became even more real, a heavy burden of expectations resting on my tiny shoulders. People wanted to know what was next in store for the smart kid. I guess that's one of the downsides of growing up in a small town.
Everyone in town knew I'd applied to St. Moore thanks to my classmates who heard it from my guidance counselor, they were all waiting—mostly to hear that I didn't make the cut. So, when I received that letter that hot afternoon, needless to say the whole town heard that the Rivers' orphan had once again outdone himself. People gave my grandma free stuff at the market to congratulate her because her genius grandson got accepted into a fancy school in the big city.
It became clear what I needed to do. I had to attend St. Moore. I mean, who wouldn't want to study at the most prestigious university in the world?
Honestly though, this place is breathtaking! The facilities, the professors, the vibrant atmosphere—except for the entitled rich kids who think everyone is beneath them. Everyday on campus is like a dream still.