Gemotions

The email arrived mid-afternoon, the subject line bright: "Your Essay: A Powerful Example!" Maria felt a flutter in her stomach, a nervous energy. The essay was about her struggles to find her voice in a new country, her journey from a small village to a bustling city. The admissions board deemed it "inspiring."

Now, it was displayed on the college website. She felt a prickle of unease. She understood the university’s goal, but she couldn’t shake the sensation of being…exposed. It was her private story.

Later, she walked into the campus coffee shop. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee filled the air. She passed a table where a group of students were deep in conversation. She could make out snippets of sentences. She took a deep breath. She smiled, picked up a latte, and found a quiet corner table.