Part 1 : Me and my dreams.

Hikari Mayumi is the name my parents has given to me, Hikari means Light and Mayumi means truth and beauty. I just graduated from high school and currently applying to my dream The University Of Campbell. I have a sister named Hanabi Mayumi, she's just a normal high school girl. We both been raised in a small town called Hiraizumi in the northern prefecture of Iwate. Our town was one of the smallest towns in Japan with a total population of 7,408 people. This town was once called 'Pure Land' by the Buddhist monk, and of course, the beautiful landscape is breathtaking.

Both of my parents are not Japanese but they loved japan and decided to start a life in Japan, well which means I'm not Japanese too. We are actually from a different country called Malaysia. I can't fluently speak my mother-tongue language but it's wasn't a big deal for us at all. Since I was young, I always wanted to go beyond and reach out to some places that people haven't discovered yet. Maybe it is because I got it from my Parents, the bloodline of travelers runs deep in my vein.

To be frank, I always wanted to travel across the world and learn the beauty of each culture, and maybe someday when I succeeded, I can always write down my adventure and share it with the world. But I guess, it has to wait. I need to start from ground zero and climb the stairs of being the top student at Campbell university. Today I just found out the final result of my submission. I am nervous to even open up my mail. But sooner or later I must open up my mail.

"Nee-san. You have a mail from your application to Campbell University. Aren't you gonna open that?" Say Hanabi while browsing thru my laptop.

"Don't you dare open the mail!" I shout from the bathroom, the anxiety creeps into my mind. I stand out from my bathtub and grab a dry towel, covering my wet body with a towel. I open the door and watch Hanabi reading my emails.

"You idiot! What did I tell you just now?" I slap the back of Hanabi's head and stop her from reading it further. Her eyes start shining and she's excited.

"You got IN!!!!" Scream Hanabi in excitement and I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the Mail. I look at Hanabi and we both scream in excitement I pull Hanabi's hands head downstairs and tell my parents about my acceptance mail.

"Congrats Hikari!!" Scream my mother as she joins in the excitement. I know I have a part of my mother's attitude which is going wild in excitement. The three of us jumped around the house soon after my Father come back home.

"What's with the fuss?" Ask my Father, putting his work beg down at the table, we run toward him and hug him.

"I GOT INTO CAMPBELL UNIVERSITY! I'VE BEEN ACCEPTED!" I shout in excitement, the way my dad smiles and seeing him tearing up because of my acceptance, I will forever cherish this beautiful moment in my heart. He is proud on me.

"We should celebrate! Let's have a hotpot and expensive meal for tonight!" Say, father. My father is the most fire-up person. His fatigue was gone the moment he knew I'd got accepted into one of the top universities.

"Let's go!!" I and Hanabi ran back to our room and change into something nice before heading out. Dad brought us to their favorite place. We have a blast tonight.

"So what's your plan during your free time?" Ask Dad before slipping a glass of beer.

"I was thinking to find a part-time job and try to enjoy my youth before I run out of time!" I say those words confidently and yes, I've been searching for the tuition fees and the expenses that I will need to survive.

"That's a good Idea! You should be more independent than ever once you enter your University Life. Regarding your pocket money, I still have a little savings for both of you and Hanabi." Explain Dad, he told us about his journey leaving his country and coming to Japan.

"But Dad, you don't have to take all of your savings for me!" I wasn't sure if I need the money, I mostly prepare everything by myself and I know how expensive it will be if I lived apart from them.

"Don't worry about us. You just need to focus on your studies and If someday you needed the money, just let us know! Your mother will send it to you!" Say Dad while holding tight to my left hand.

"Ah! This meal is so delicious!" Say Hanabi in excitement, ready to jump in the second round.

"Don't eat so much Hanabi! You might get fat!" said Mom, while putting some vegetables into Hanabi's bowl. This night will be one of the best nights I ever had.

"Just her let eat Mom... If she gained weight, she's the one who's in trouble." I tease her as she's wanting a full-mouth meal in a single spoon.

"It's not fair! I deserved to enjoy this moment too!" Say Hanabi with a full mouth. I laugh watching her reaction.

"Tomorrow I might start finding a room vacancy around the area and maybe try to get a job at any shop." I thought about all this and the type of work that is flexible with my student time.

"I heard from one of my friend's sisters who worked at the library. The payment is quite expensive and it is for a student who needs the extra income to apply," says Hanabi while slipping thru a glass of green tea.

"Your friends' sibling still studying? At Campbell?" I ask, just to make sure the information is right.

"Yes, but her sister taking a major in Art History, so that's enough explanation why she prefers to work in the library," responded Hanabi.

"Can you get your friend's sister's number? I think I might try to contact her and ask if they still have an open slot for me."

"Of course, I can ask her now if you want." Hanabi take out her iPhone and directly called her friends. Later on, she passed the number to me and I sent a few texts to her friend's sister. We all end our night celebration and head home.

"My life as a Campbelle student will begin sooner than I ever imagine!" I roll over on my bed and look forward to the open ceremony.