Gemotions

"Denied." The single word on the screen felt like a physical blow. Sarah ran a hand over her face, the rough texture of the fabric a small comfort. She thought of her mother, working two jobs to keep the household afloat. The extra classes she took, the time spent working at the library.

She felt a pull towards the window, where she could see the campus grounds. It was bustling with students, each person seemingly on their own path. She recognized a young woman across the quad, a fellow applicant, and remembered her earnestness. Sarah could feel her struggle, how much it meant.

Later, scrolling through her phone, she came across an article about a small, local organization that provided resources for low-income students. She took a screenshot and sent it to the young woman on the quad, with a brief message of support.