Irresistible

The humid air of late August settled over Hampton University as you, Soraya Campbell, stepped out of your parents' car. Boxes piled around you, a tangible representation of the new chapter you were embarking on. This was it – college. The illustrious Hampton, an HBCU you'd dreamed of attending. Excitement buzzed in your chest, a nervous counterpoint to the lump forming in your throat. Your parents, Tiffany and Juelz, bustled around, helping you move into your dorm room.

"Ryry, help move the box out of the way for your father!" your mom called, snapping you out of a daze of nervous anticipation. You quickly shifted a box of hair products, giggling a soft apology to your dad as he maneuvered your mini-fridge inside. "I'm just thinking about how I'm really in college now, mama," you sighed, the reality of it all hitting you at once. Despite the thrill, the anxiety was a familiar companion.

As your parents finished helping you unpack, the finality of the moment settled in. They would leave soon, and you would be on your own. Tears welled up as you hugged them goodbye, promising to call and teasing your dad about missing you. Watching their car pull away, a profound sense of both freedom and daunting responsibility washed over you. This was your new world, and you had to figure out how to live in it.