Sofie's POV
The gym smelled like floor wax and newly printed ID cards.
I sat quietly in the middle of my row, trying not to fidget with the strap of my bag. Around my neck hung the blue and black ID lace that almost everyone here wore, printed with the name of our school, North Crescent University, in bold white letters. My actual ID card showed my name and my course: Bachelor of Science in Nursing. That was it. No year level. No section.
Just my name. Just a beginning.
The same department shirt stretched across everyone's chest, blue and black, stitched neatly with the word NURSING. Everyone looked the same. But no one felt familiar.
We were divided by sections—A to H—and I was placed in Section C. Not that it meant much yet. Nobody really talked to each other. There were awkward glances, side comments, and some people whispering like they already knew each other from somewhere. But mostly, we were all just... here.
A few voices stood out. There was someone behind me who laughed too loud. A girl in front flipped through a handbook like it was already finals week. Another one kept adjusting her ponytail, while someone near the aisle had two phones in her lap.
Me? I was just trying to breathe normally.
The microphone screeched, and everyone jumped a little. A student host started welcoming us, calling it the official orientation of the College of Allied Health Sciences. The place quieted just enough for the school's President to take the stage.
He smiled like someone who'd said the same speech for ten years. "Welcome to North Crescent University. Today, you step into your future."
I heard a few people clap. Most were just trying to stay awake.
He talked about excellence. About how NCU nurses were respected around the country. About pride, sacrifice, and potential. And about how we were lucky to be here.
The Dean came next. She was composed, direct, and kind of intimidating. She spoke about responsibility. About sleepless nights and the pressure of clinicals. About choosing this path for a reason.
There was one sentence that stuck with me.
"Not everyone will survive this course. But those who do will never forget why they started."
No one laughed. That part didn't feel like a joke.
After the speeches came the awkward part—the section chants.
"SECTION A!" "SECTION B, LET'S GO!"
I heard someone from our group whisper, "Wait, do we even have a cheer?" And then, out of nowhere, someone stood up and shouted,
"C TO THE TOP!"
Everyone from Section C laughed. Some stood up late, others just clapped with embarrassment. Still, for a second, it felt like we were something.
Then they introduced the Clinical Instructors. One by one, they walked across the stage—in full white uniform, with ID holders and calm eyes that scanned every row. They waved politely and didn't smile much. I guess we were already being observed.
The host spoke one last time.
"After this program, all BSN sections will proceed to your assigned classrooms for section orientation, officer elections, and CI introduction. Please check your schedules."
That was our cue. We stood. Stumbled. Moved like a slow crowd of blue and black. I followed the flow of our section out of the gym and up the stairs of the Nursing Building.
"Are we together?" a girl beside me asked. I glanced at her ID. I nodded.
"I think so."
She gave a small smile. "hello"
I smile and nod awkwardly.
That was the first time someone said my name out loud today.
Our classroom was clean, cold, and smelled like disinfectant. Most seats were still empty, so I picked one near the window and watched people slowly enter. Some were already talking. Others were pretending to scroll on their phones.
Our Clinical Instructor arrived five minutes later. She wore white and introduced herself as Ma'am Delos Reyes. She spoke gently, but her eyes felt sharp.
"This will be your home section. This classroom is where many things will begin. Let's start by knowing your names."
We went around, introducing ourselves.
Some gave full speeches about their dreams. Some just mumbled their names and sat. When it was my turn, I stood slowly.
"I'm Sofie Abalos. I'm from Brgy. Siera of Bambang. I... like reading and writing."
Simple. Safe. I sat back down.
Then came the officer elections. Someone got voted mayor instantly, no contest. Others were picked as vice mayor, secretary, representatives. Names were flying, roles being given. Some volunteered, some were forced.
By the time we finished, people were laughing already. There was noise now. Familiarity, just a little.
But deep down, we were still...
...trying to memorize each other's names like they'd matter later. Like maybe one of these strangers would save your grade someday. Or sit with you during lunch. Or stay up with you reviewing body systems you still couldn't pronounce.
That was how Day One felt. Like standing at the edge of something big, but pretending it wasn't scary.
The room fell quiet when Ma'am Delos Reyes gave us a quick overview of the semester. Uniform regulations. Attendance. Professionalism. Things we already knew—but hearing it from her made them heavier.
"You are future nurses," she said. "Start acting like it."
That was the end of the orientation.
People stood again, moved slower this time. Some groups had already formed—small clumps of students exchanging social media handles or laughing over who should've been mayor.
I lingered by the window, pretending to arrange my things.
Then I heard him.
A voice outside the classroom. Firm, low, and a little annoyed.
"Section F is in the next room. Keep moving."
I didn't mean to look, but I did.
That's when I saw someone His ID was slightly twisted, but his section was clear. F. He walked with a quiet kind of confidence, eyes straight ahead, not bothering to greet anyone unless he had to. One of the boys with him laughed too loud, trying to get his attention.
He didn't respond. Just pushed open the door of the classroom beside ours and walked in.
I didn't know his name yet. But something about the way he moved made me feel... curious.