Sisterhood 101
Copyright© 2025 by WittyUserName
Chapter 4
Erotica Sex Story: Chapter 4 - Kayla and her friends have graduated high school. Now it is on to college and the real world. New adventures, new loves, new friends. Yet, their crazy senior year in high school is not done haunting them. This story is a direct sequel to Birthday Pool Party. I did attempt to write the first chapter in such a way that someone who hasn't read Birthday Pool Party could follow along, but reading Birthday Pool Party first will enhance the experience.
Caution: This Erotica Sex Story contains strong sexual content, including Ma/Fa Fa/Fa Consensual Romantic Lesbian BiSexual Heterosexual Fiction Crime Humor School Tear Jerker Sharing Incest Father Daughter Light Bond Rough Spanking Group Sex Polygamy/Polyamory Anal Sex Cream Pie Double Penetration Exhibitionism Facial Massage Masturbation Oral Sex Petting Pregnancy Sex Toys Spitting Tit-Fucking Voyeurism
~Marcia Moore~
Friday August 22, 2025
Biology lab started bright and early. I walked into the lab with Ashley and Lexi, immediately noticing the smell of disinfectant. Long black lab benches ran in rows throughout the room, each station set up with goggles, gloves and laminated instruction sheets. I slid onto a stool and set my notebook down carefully, aligning it with the edge of the table so I’d feel settled.
Ashley dropped onto the stool across from me, all long legs and sunny blonde hair. She grumbled tiredly as she leaned her backpack against the stool. Her blue eyes were heavy with exhaustion as she gathered up her hair and put it into a ponytail to keep it out of her face.
Lexi sat down beside me, slamming her backpack onto the table. She was dressed casually in jean shorts that showed off her creamy, lightly-freckled legs. Her red hair was up in twin buns at the top of her head, and she was wearing one of Steven’s t-shirts. It was large on her slender frame, so she had tied the hem into a knot, leaving her midriff exposed.
“Too early to be conscious,” Lexi grunted.
“Especially for a class that’s three hours long,” Ashley agreed.
“Kayla’s cheer practice started at six,” I pointed out. “I think you can handle an 8:00AM lab.”
“Kayla’s the perfect angel, I’m the slutty redhead,” Lexi sighed, placing her elbow on the table so she could rest her cheek on her hand. “Learn your roles.”
“Marcia’s the responsible one, Hazel’s the bitch, what does that make me?” Ashley asked with a raised eyebrow.
“The ditzy blonde?” Lexi shrugged.
“I’m not ditzy!” Ashley growled, glaring at the redhead. “And you’re the brat, Lexi, not the slutty red ... actually, forget it, you’re both.”
“You’re the outgoing one, Ash,” I spoke up quickly.
“I guess that works,” the blonde bombshell shrugged as Lexi stifled a yawn with her elbow.
“Why are you so tired?” I asked Lexi. “Didn’t you sleep?”
“Woke up horny,” Lexi answered simply. “I couldn’t get back to sleep so I woke Steven up. Nothing beats 3:00AM butt-sex.”
“Must be nice to live with your boyfriend,” Ashley sighed. “Josh has a roommate, I have a Marcia. It’s been too long, I need some dick.”
“Sock on the door?” Lexi suggested. “Or just bang in front of Marcia. She’s a Slut-sister, what’s the big deal?”
“Can we talk about something else, please?” I requested in an exasperated voice. “We’re in class!”
“Ugh, fine,” Lexi mumbled, rolling her eyes.
“Did you get a date for the party tonight?” Ashley asked me, waggling her eyebrows. “Maybe Kwan would like another round with you?”
“We decided to be friends,” I replied quietly. “I didn’t get a date, but Lina is coming with me. She’s joining the honor society, too.”
“You two sound fun,” Lexi teased. “I hope you don’t get the cops called on us.”
“We’re not all sorority girls,” I shrugged.
“I’m not really one, either,” Lexi responded. “Ashley just keeps dragging me along.”
“Well, someone has to join with me,” Ashley grinned. “Looks like I’m the only one with a date.”
“You even get two,” Lexi teased. “You’re making Josh bring Derek.”
“Josh’s roommate needs to socialize more,” Ashley explained. “He’ll have fun. Maybe. Hopefully. He keeps forgetting how to talk around me.”
“Josh was like that at first, too,” I smiled. “He learned.”
People filtered in all around us, some yawning, some already wearing their own goggles. Josh and Derek arrived together, their eyes scanning the room with interest. Derek stammered while greeting us, a blush on his face. We talked to him for a couple minutes before he found another table while Josh sat beside Ashley.
The chatter died down when Professor Kim walked in with Chelsea Park, the TA for the course. The professor stood slightly to the side while Chelsea was front and center. She was small, but still managed to have a commanding presence. Her blonde hair was pulled back into a tight bun, and her lab coat was pristine.
“Good morning, everyone!” Chelsea called out loudly. “In case you forgot, I’m Chelsea, and I’ll be your TA for the semester. Usually it will just be me, but Professor Kim is going to say a few words before we get started.”
“Thanks, Chelsea,” Professor Kim smiled as he stepped forward, seeming genuinely pleased we were all there. “Welcome to Biology Lab! Some of you are here because you love biology, some of you are here to satisfy the requirements of your major. And the rest of you are here because you were told this is easier than chemistry.”
A few people laughed. Lexi snorted softly beside me.
“If you were awake during my lecture, you’ll remember I’m Doctor Kim,” he continued jovially. “You’ll mostly be dealing with Chelsea during lab and I’ll only pop in every once in a while. Chelsea is very strict and I’d advise listening to her. Seriously, I’m a little scared of her myself, and I grade her work.
“If she tells you to do something, do it. If she tells you not to do something, don’t. And if you think a rule doesn’t apply to you...” Professor Kim spread his hands. “You’re wrong, it does.”
That got a bigger laugh, including from Josh. I noticed Derek sitting at the table beside us, his eyes flicking between the professor and Chelsea. He wasn’t very subtle about it. Every time the petite blonde shifted her weight or tucked a stray hair back into her bun, his attention snapped right back to her. Derek was shy around every girl, but I could tell he was developing a real crush on the young teaching assistant. Maybe Ashley could teach him some subtlety. And learn some herself.
“So, we’re going to start with a safety video, but first, fun fact!” Professor Kim declared. “Your stomach lining replaces itself every three to five days. Otherwise, your powerful stomach acid would eat through the lining and you’d end up digesting yourself.”
“Ew,” Ashley made a face.
“Cool,” Josh grinned, earning him an eye roll from his girlfriend.
Doctor Kim smiled at all of us. “So if biology ever seems gross, just remember: it’s gross because it’s doing its job. Okay! Safety video first. Try to stay awake. Chelsea?”
Chelsea dimmed the lights and started the video. We watched as overly cheerful students demonstrated eyewash stations and safety showers. I folded my hands in my lap and worked hard to pay attention. It wasn’t easy since I kept getting distracted: Ashley was bouncing her knee, Josh leaned in to whisper something to her, Derek pretended very hard not to stare at Chelsea while absolutely staring at Chelsea.
“Alright!” Chelsea clapped once after turning on the lights. “I know that video made everything look thrilling, but I wanted to repeat a couple of the big rules. First, goggles and gloves stay on during experiments. Second, no food or drink in the lab; no exceptions. I don’t care if it’s water, coffee, or your emotional support smoothie.”
Derek laughed unnaturally loud before blushing bright red.
“See? I told you she was scary,” Doctor Kim laughed. “I will leave you in Chelsea’s capable hands. If you make it through her lab, I will see you on Monday.”
“Nothing worse than a professor who thinks he’s funny,” Chelsea called out as Professor Kim left. Shaking her head, she started passing out papers to everyone. “Here is a copy of the lab syllabus and a safety contract. The contract must be signed for you to stay enrolled in the course.”
“Thank you,” I accepted my copy of the syllabus and safety contract, separating them both neatly for review.
“As you are looking over the safety contract, please make note of where the eye wash stations and safety showers are,” Chelsea continued in an authoritative voice. “Also notice the dress code. Closed-toed shoes and long hair needs to be tied back.”
Chelsea went over safety procedures, letting us know what to do if something spilled or broke. A few people were looking glassy-eyed, but most were paying attention. When the speech was finished, we all signed our safety contracts and handed them back to Chelsea. She made sure to tell us there was a copy of the contract attached to the syllabus in case it was ever needed for reference.
“For today, we will be getting familiar with our stations and do some practice measurements,” Chelsea explained. “No chemicals or experiments or dissections. Just learning what things are and how to properly record data.”
I nodded along, making sure to memorize every word.
“You will have a lab partner you will perform experiments with, and while you will share the same data, you will each be responsible for writing your own lab reports,” Chelsea announced while looking at a clipboard. “I have assigned partners. I’m doing this for two reasons. The first is that you rarely get to choose who you will be working with in your professional career. The second is that this is college, you should get out there and meet some new people.”
I looked over at Ashley with wide-eyes, she just shrugged and smiled, clearly unfazed.
“First up,” Chelsea said loudly, “Alexis Davis and Jade Kim. Same last name as the professor, interesting!”
“N-no relation,” Jade squeaked. She was a tiny girl with black hair in a bun.
“Oh, we know her!” Ashley leaned in and whispered.
“We do?” Lexi frowned.
“She’s pledging Dalta Tau Chi with us, dummy,” Ashley explained.
“Oh,” Lexi said, looking at Jade and clearly trying to place her.
“Next we have Ashley Bartlett and Derek Alvarado,” Chelsea listed as Derek gasped.
“I guess we’re partners!” Ashley said loudly, waving to Derek.
“Y-yeah, uh, hi, um,” Derek blushed. “Yeah, partners.”
Chelsea listed a few more names before reaching a name I knew. “Josh Greene will be working with Leah Roberts.”
Josh waved politely to a brunette of average height. Leah waved back shyly, and I could tell she was a quieter person than even I was back in high school. The girl was pretty, with light skin and green eyes, but she was also wearing frumpy clothes in an effort to conceal a couple of extra pounds.
“Last, but not least,” Chelsea declared after listing several more pairings, “Marcia Moore and Matthew Carter.”
I looked over at a cute guy with blond hair and freckles. He blushed slightly when he caught my gaze, waving at me nervously. I waved back and smiled, feeling relieved. Matthew seemed shy, not at all like some asshole who would just try and get in my pants all semester. Plus, he was cute.
“Okay, that’s everyone,” Chelsea smiled. “We might change things up later, but expect to work with your partner for a while. I’ll give you a few minutes to introduce yourselves. Please move accordingly.”
Ashley squeezed Josh’s hand and kissed his cheek before standing. Derek’s eyes were wide as the tall blonde sat beside him and immediately started talking. Lexi and Jade were getting to know each other, and I saw Leah shyly sit beside Josh. I gathered my things and took a seat beside Matthew.
“Hi, I’m Marcia,” I introduced myself. “Undeclared.”
“Matt,” he smiled as Chelsea placed a packet in front of each of us. “Biology.”
“Oh!” I gasped slightly. “I hope I don’t slow you down.”
“Don’t worry,” Matt grinned. “Professor Kim was right; this is easier than chemistry.”
“So easy even I can manage?” I arched an eyebrow.
“No, no! I ah, I didn’t mean...” he stammered.
“I’m teasing,” I giggled cutely.
“Okay, good,” Matt let out a breath.
Chelsea clapped once from the front of the room. “Alright, scientists! Open your packets. Today’s lab is called ‘Measurement and Observation in Scientific Practice.’ Exciting, I know!”
A few chuckles rippled through the room.
“You’ll learn about three stations at your bench,” Chelsea said. “You will measure mass using the digital balance, then volume using graduated cylinders and pipettes, and finally length using calipers. Record everything with proper units. Significant figures and estimated digits matter. If you don’t know what those terms mean, you’re about to find out. Begin!”
We all flipped through our packets and started reading.
“Station one,” Matt mumbled quietly. “Measure the mass of three unknown metal cylinders.”
“Ooh, we get mystery objects,” I giggled.
“Labeled ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C,’” he replied dryly. “Very mysterious.”
All around us, students were examining lab equipment while getting to know their partners. Cabinets lined the walls, filled with glassware, trays, and other lab equipment. I noticed the emergency eye wash station and the shower. Every workstation was identical, with a sink, a balance, and carefully arranged drawers that were all labeled.
“Always make sure it’s zeroed,” Matt murmured as he carefully turned on the digital balance.
“I like that you narrate your process,” I smiled kindly.
“Uh, sorry,” Matt blushed slightly.
“No, I meant it,” I quickly clarified. “It’s helpful.”
His shoulders relaxed as he grabbed Cylinder A and placed it on the balance. “Forty-two point three seven grams.”
“And it measures mass, not weight,” I nodded while writing down the figure.
“Right, it does a calculation based on the assumed gravitational force,” Matt agreed.
Across the room, Ashley was giggling at something Derek had said, or maybe at the way he said it. The poor boy’s hand was shaking as he held a graduated cylinder like he was afraid it might explode. He kept glancing at Ashley, moving carefully to make sure he didn’t bump into her. I felt bad Derek was so nervous, but it really was the cutest thing ever.
“You can relax,” Ashley told him. “It’s not acid.”
“I-I know,” Derek nodded, adjusting his grip.
Chelsea approached them, gently pressing two fingers to Derek’s shoulder. “Just relax and keep your hand steady.”
“Okay,” he squeaked, his face bright red.
Lexi and Jade seemed to be working well, carrying on a whispered conversation while recording measurements. Leah was reading instructions carefully, her finger tracing each line as Josh nodded along. She then picked up the third cylinder and accidentally dropped it, jumping loudly when it banged against the table.
“All good,” Josh reassured her. “Happens all the time.”
Leah gave him a small smile, blushing slightly. Interesting.
“Ready for volume?” Matt asked.
We moved on to filling a graduated cylinder with water and using a pipette to adjust the level. After recording our measurements, we moved on to the final task. The calipers were a pain to use, requiring more coordination to make sure we had an accurate measurement of the metal cylinders. By the time we finished, my data table was immaculate. I loved looking at how neat and organized it was. Matt’s wasn’t bad, though his handwriting was a little messier than mine.
“Good,” Chelsea nodded, her arms crossed as she glanced at our notebooks. “Units included. Proper sig figs. You two are fine.”
Our TA continued her walk through the room, making comments and correcting errors. Lexi and Jade were doing fine, so were Josh and Leah. Derek had spilled some water, and Ashley was helping him clean up while he continuously apologized, his face so red I was surprised steam wasn’t rising off of him.
“It’s okay,” Ashley was saying, “we’re not growing alien parasites.”
“Yet,” Chelsea added dryly as she passed.
“W-what?” Derek looked over as Ashley laughed.
“For next time,” Chelsea called out, “there’s a short reflection at the back of the packet. Answer the questions about sources of errors and why standardized measurements matter. That will be due at the start of next lab.”
I flipped to the last page. “What is the most common source of errors in measurement?”
“Human beings,” Matt answered instantly.
“Oh yeah?” I glanced up at him.
“Rockets don’t blow themselves up,” he shrugged. “Humans are dumb.”
The Commons was much louder than the biology lab, but less intimidating since it wouldn’t be grading me. Conversations layered over each other, trays clattered against tables, and the scents of fries, pizza, and tacos mixed together to make my mouth water. Sadly, I’d be going with my usual salad for lunch.
Lina Ramirez stood in line with me, both of us clutching our phones.
“I always panic in here,” Lina admitted while adjusting her glasses. “There are so many options.”
“You said you loved their turkey wraps and got them every time,” I smiled.
“I like consistency,” Lina giggled.
“I’ve noticed,” I replied.
Lina was even smaller than Lexi and me. Petite, soft brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, glasses slipping down her nose whenever she looked down. She was careful, reserved. The type of person who blended in with the crowd, but was always watching and listening. Someone observant. We were exactly alike.
I grabbed a freshly-made salad while Lina chose a turkey wrap. It was lunchtime, so the seating area was crowded, but we managed to find a small table near a window. Sunlight spilled across the table as I placed my salad down and smoothed out my napkin across my lap.
“So,” Lina said, tucking her legs beneath the table, “how was bio lab?”
“Structured,” I answered while pouring dressing over my salad.
“That’s the most Marcia answer you could’ve given,” Lina giggled.
“I guess you already know me,” I smirked. “We just practiced measurements. No chemicals or frog guts yet.”
“Disappointing,” she sighed and shook her head. “Not one explosion?”
“Not even a little one,” I confirmed.
Lina nodded and took a bite of her wrap, chewing and swallowing before speaking. “Did you pick a partner?”
“Partners were assigned,” I explained. “He seemed nice. Biology major.”
“Cute?” she asked, failing in her effort to sound casual.
“That’s not relevant,” I replied, feeling heat in my cheeks.
“That’ wasn’t a ‘no,’” Lina observed.
“Enough about me, how are your other classes?” I asked.
“Pretty good, no complaints,” she answered. “No cute lab partners for me, though.”
We fell silent as we ate our lunch while people watching. Clusters of students filled the room: athletes in branded sweatshirts, girls in coordinated team t-shirts, guys in casual clothes laughing too loudly. Everyone looked like they belonged. Throngs of friends, cliques, and classmates.
“Are we still going to that party tonight?” Lina asked in a low voice.
“My friends are going, I can’t back out,” I said slowly. “You don’t have to come if you aren’t comfortable.”
“No, I should go,” she sighed softly. “Parties make me nervous.”
“Same,” I confessed.
“Too many variables,” Lina said before taking a sip of her drink.
“That’s such a sociology answer,” I grinned.
“People act differently in groups,” she shrugged. “Especially when alcohol’s involved.”
“At least it’s not at a frat house,” I pointed out. “My friends will be with us, and Kayla lives right down the street. If we don’t feel safe, we can get right to her place.”
“That does make me feel better,” Lina acknowledged.
“So, we’re still on?” I questioned.
“Yeah, we are,” she nodded.
Before I could respond, I heard a familiar voice behind me. “Marcia?”
My stomach tightened as I turned and saw a guy of average height with brown hair and eyes in casual clothes. “Hi, Shawn.”
“It’s, ah, it’s nice to see you,” Shawn stammered before taking a breath. “How was your first week of classes?”
“Great, thank you,” I smiled. “I’m pledging the school’s honor society. How are you doing?”
“That’s cool,” he replied. “It’s nice taking classes I’m really interested in.”
“Mechanical engineering, right?” I asked. “Oh, this is Lina, by the way. Lina, this is Shawn.”
“Hi, Shawn,” Lina waved shyly.
“Nice to meet you,” Shawn said. “And, uh, yes. Mechanical engineering. I’m hoping to get into robotics.”
“I remember,” I nodded. “Have you talked to Josh?”
“Yeah, he seems to be doing well,” Shawn answered. “I already kind of regret choosing to live at home instead of the dorms.”
“It is an amazing experience,” I agreed. “Although, Ashley’s, well, she’s Ashley.”
“Right,” he mumbled. “Ah, I have to get to class. I just saw you as I was leaving and wanted to say hi.”
“I appreciate that,” I inclined my head. “It was nice seeing you.”
Lina waved goodbye and waited for Shawn to leave before facing me with a smirk. “Well, that was awkward.”
“Don’t analyze my social interactions,” I rolled my eyes as the petite Latina stuck out her tongue.
“C’mon, spill it,” she urged, taking another bite of her turkey wrap.
“It’s nothing too crazy,” I assured her. “I guess it started when Ian asked Kayla to Prom. We started all hanging out with him and his friends. Josh, Shawn, and Ian. Our shy boys.”
“Okay,” Lina gestured for me to continue.
“Ian and Kayla started dating, Josh asked Ashley to Prom, and Shawn asked me,” I explained. “To make a long story short: Ian and Kayla broke up, Josh and Ashley are still together, and I never got together with Shawn.”
“He’s cute, why didn’t it work out?” Lina probed delicately.
“It just wouldn’t work out,” I shrugged, not ready to go into detail about the Slut-sisters.
“I’m sorry,” she winced in sympathy.
“I just feel bad because he’s not as close with Josh anymore. Since Josh is always with us,” I explained sadly. “We’ve talked a few times and say we’re friends, but we don’t really hang out. Although, at the senior lock-in we skinny-dipped and, um, I went down on him. That was after Prom.”
“After you decided not to get together?” Lina arched an eyebrow.
“Yes,” I admitted with a blush.
“I guess we’re close enough to girl-talk about the dirty stuff?” she asked with a small smile.
“We got there fast,” I observed before pointing at her with my plastic fork. “I went first, it’s your turn.”
“I’ve never dated, but I was always interested in people and how they interact,” Lina started slowly. “I got a date to Prom, but we didn’t do anything. I decided I didn’t want to go to college a virgin, so I agreed to go to a party with him over the summer when he asked. There were way too many people, but I knew most of them.”
“Sounds romantic so far,” I teased.
“Not even a little bit,” she giggled. “I’m shy, but it was easy to let him pick me up. He took me into a bedroom and made me a woman.”
“How was it?” I wondered.
“Fine,” Lina shrugged. “He didn’t make me cum, but it felt nice.”
“Is everything a social experiment to you?” I looked at her with interest.
“No, I just wanted to know what all the fuss was about,” she explained. “I wouldn’t mind a boyfriend, but I’ve never gone out much.”
“Sounds like you need to get laid,” I giggled.
“Well, it’s not happening tonight,” Lina declared. “But I am open to having a nice time with a friend. Uh, as long as the party isn’t too wild.”
The honor society Sigma Epsilon Phi was having a workshop at Hawthorne Library. Lina and I went together, entering one of the smaller seminar rooms; the kind with a long oval table instead of rows of desks. It made me think everyone was expected to talk, rather than some just sit and listen.
“Marcia, Lina, hi!” Sophia Patel smiled eagerly. “You made it!”
“Yes, hi,” I nodded while Lina waved.
Sophia’s smile grew wider. “I’m so glad you’re here. Please sit anywhere you’d like.”
I sat halfway down the table, not close to the front and not hiding in the back. Lina slipped into the chair beside me, placing her notebook directly in front of her with the same careful precision I always used. Across from us sat Emmett Clarke, a junior majoring in Biology who worked part-time at the tutoring center.
There were a handful of other students, only a few I recognized. A couple were freshman pledges like me, while most were older members. At the head of the table sat Doctor Hayes. Her graying brown hair was pulled into a low twist at the nape of her neck, and her posture was impeccable. She wasn’t exactly intimidating, it was more that she gave the impression that she was aware of what you were thinking before you spoke.
“Okay,” Sophia said, glancing at her notes then back up, “Thank you all for coming to SEP’s first professional development workshop of the semester.
“We call these momentum sessions because college isn’t about having everything figured out. It’s about building direction.”
Momentum. The word settled heavily in my chest.
Doctor Hayes finally leaned forward, resting her forearms on the table. “College is the first time most of you will be evaluated not just on what you know, but what you pursue. What classes you choose to take, what activities or clubs you join.
“In my experience, the students who thrive are not the most gifted. They are the most intentional.”
Intentional. I straightened in my chair.
“That’s exactly what we’re going to talk about today,” Sophia nodded. “How to be intentional early.”
I glanced down at the empty page in my notebook. I’d always been good with structure, with following directions, with keeping organized. Yet, everything had mostly been chosen for me. I was undeclared, and an advisor had suggested my classes. The only one I picked was Public Speaking so I could have a class with all my Slut-sisters. What was I building toward?
Sophia passed index cards down the table until we all had one. “Okay. Everyone has heard of the five-year plan. Forget about that right now. Let’s think short-term. For the freshman, the end of sophomore year. For everyone else, two years after graduation.
“Where do you want to be? Academically, professionally, personally. Write it down. No one’s grading you.”
There was a soft chorus of shifting chairs and clicking pens. Beside me, Lina immediately bent over her card and started writing. I stared at my blank card. The end of sophomore year felt so far away, but it really wasn’t. I’d always been so good at preparing for the next exam, the next assignment. The next perfect score. I had no idea how to pick a direction.
“When I was a freshman, I thought I was going to medical school,” Emmett spoke casually while he wrote. “Now I’m considering a master’s in microbiology instead.”
“You changed your mind?” another freshman asked.
“About six times,” Emmett chuckled. “It’s normal. I expect to change it a few more times before graduating.”
“Changing directions is not failure,” Doctor Hayes said as she placed her folded hands on the table. “Drifting without intention is.”
Lina’s hand moved quickly beside me. She paused only once before underlining something. I wished I’d felt that certain. What did I want? To graduate with honors, to make my parents proud. Obviously. I wanted to pick a major, but which one? I pressed my pen to the card and started writing.
Declare a major I love.
Apply for at least one internship.
Not feel behind.
Sophia cleared her throat to get our attention. “Would anyone like to share?”
There was a brief pause before Lina lifted her hand, surprising me.
“Go ahead,” Sophia nodded encouragingly.
Lina adjusted her glasses and let out a breath. “I wrote that by the end of sophomore year, I want to be involved in a community research project. Something related to socioeconomic inequality. Maybe a local nonprofit or a faculty study.”
“That’s good,” Sophia smiled. “Anything else?”
“Y-yes,” Sophia paused to gather her courage. “I’m a sociology major and I think that, if I’m going to study society, I should actually engage with it.”
Doctor Hayes’ expression shifted to one of interest and approval. “Excellent instinct, Miss Ramirez. Theory without application becomes abstraction.”
Lina nodded eagerly while Sophia looked around the table. “Marcia? Anything you’d like to add?”
“I...” I mumbled in a soft voice. “I wrote that I want to declare a major I actually care about. Not just one I’m good at.”
Emmett nodded, like it made sense to him.
“And,” I continued, “I want to apply to an internship. Even if I don’t think I’m ready.”
Doctor Hayes studied me for a moment. “What draws your interest at present?”
“I’m undeclared,” I admitted. “I like science and math. But I also like writing and history. I have a close group of friends that I love spending time with, and a couple of them have found their passion. I’m happy for them, but I just ... I just don’t know what any of it means.”
“It means you’re thinking,” Doctor Hayes replied calmly. “Certainty at eighteen is often performative.”
“You have time,” Sophia continued. “Just make sure you are using that time deliberately.”
Deliberately. I nodded, my heart racing.
The rest of the workshop moved quickly as the others shared what they had written. We then turned to office hours, mentorship pairings, and a sign-up sheet for volunteer tutoring. All practical things. Structured things. Things I could do. My heart rate slowly returned to normal as I took notes and enjoyed the workshop.