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After a four-hour bus ride from the province to the city, I finally arrived at my destination.

The journey was tiring but enjoyable due to the scenic views and attractions along the way.

The mountains of Nueva Vizcaya, rivers of Bokod Benguet, and Ambuklao Dam were breathtaking.

The bus passed by these landmarks before reaching one of Baguio City's terminals.

Upon arrival, I rested for a while to relax my sore muscles.

I grabbed my bag filled with clothes and personal items and slung it over my shoulder.

After exiting the terminal, I hailed a taxi and instructed the driver, "Kuya, please drop me off at KM 5, La Trinidad." The taxi moved forward, thankfully encountering minimal traffic from Baguio to La Trinidad.

I arrived early at my destination due to the smooth journey.

I disembarked from the taxi, carrying my bag, and walked towards my new home - the apartment where I'd spend my college days. The 10-minute walk led me to the building housing my apartment, located on the second floor. I climb the stairs and walk along the hallway looking out for an apartment door labeled 2FA1 which means first apartment, second floor.

I stood outside the door, searching for the keys in the pockets of my bag.

You might wonder why I already had an apartment, but my mom had prepared everything before my arrival.

While I took the entrance exam at LTB State University, she was busy setting up my essentials.

Thanks, Mom!

You are the best.

I opened the door and entered my studio-type apartment, complete with a bed, small kitchen and bathroom.

My mom had thoughtfully provided necessities like a rice cooker, electric kettle, stove, a small microwave and stocked refrigerator.

Wow I don't have to get groceries! I can use the time to explore the campus.Thanks again, Mom!

I unpacked and organized my belongings in the wardrobe next to my bed.

With time to spare (it was only 2 pm), I decided to explore the campus and find my department so it would be easy for me tomorrow.

The campus was just a five-minute walk away.

I strolled through the open gate and began my campus tour.

Excitement got the better of me, and I accidentally collided with someone on the sidewalk!

The impact sent me tumbling.

Surprisingly, the person seemed unfazed and didn't apologize. Perhaps due to their sturdy build. I have an average build but people still say that I'm skinny.

I was left sitting alone on the sidewalk.

Well, this is ackward.

"Why did you bump into me and not even apologize? You're lucky that I'm in a good mood or else." I thought to myself. I stood up, dusted myself off and muttered, "Time to head home."

Before returning to my apartment, I decided to grab dinner at a nearby fast-food chain, anticipating the big day ahead - my first day of college.

I woke up to the sound of my alarm clock at 5:30 a.m. It was early, but I had to get up and prepare for my first day of classes. I headed straight to the bathroom to start my morning routine. Afterward, I made myself a cup of coffee and cooked some rice - a staple food for Filipinos. Rice is life.

While sipping my coffee, I rummaged through the freezer for some breakfast options.

I found hotdogs, longganisa, and chicken nuggets.

But then, I spotted a Tupperware container with leftover "pinikpikan," a delicacy from the highlands made with native chicken usually paired with "etag" (dried salted pork), and "kiniing" (smoked pork).

It is refered to as "tinola of the Highlands".

It is one of my favorites.

My mom had left it for me. I heated it in the microwave and enjoyed it with my steaming cup of benguet blend and arabica coffee.

I finished breakfast by 6:30 a.m. and hurriedly prepared for school. I chose a blue denim pants, a classic white shirt, and a yellow long-sleeved polo shirt. I rolled up my sleeves, checked myself in the mirror, and felt confident. I put on a pair of white sneakers to go with my outfit.

I grabbed my things - phone, wallet, keys - and headed out the door.

The campus was just a five-minute walk away.

I arrived at the Strawberry Hall with time to spare.

The auditorium was filling up with freshmen like me.

I can see their anxious faces, first day jitters I guess.

Our adviser, Mrs.

B.

, began the orientation, covering the usual topics from the campus brochure.

It was a little boring since I'ved already read the contents of the brochure. Thank God it was over.

The introduction session followed.

One by one my fellow freshmen introduced themselves.

When it was my turn, I stood up, smiled, and said, "Hi everyone, I'm Junno Kinley from the beautiful province of Nueva Vizcaya. I'm excited to get to know you all." I said, making my introduction short.

The teacher smiled and nodded.

Later, Mrs. B. asked me to join her upfront.

"Class, notice Mr. Kinley's outfit - a simple casual look. And he's been smiling throughout the orientation, which is part of personality development. We shall get to that throughout our classes."

I felt nervous but kept smiling.

I guess the tips I read in a website worked pretty well.

Wearing bright colored clothing, so I choose a yellow polo shirt, a good choice I would say.

I also read that a smiling face gets noticed.

That worked pretty well too!

Of all the people in the auditorium, it was the teacher who noticed it.

What's even better is she made an example from it. Way to go Junno! I smiled to my self feeling a little proud. Then the teacher looked at me and and asked a question.

When asked why I chose LTB, I replied, "It's one of the top universities in the region, and it feels like home." The class applauded, and I felt more confident. Mrs. B. Gestured for me to take my seat.

The rest of the day was uneventful, meaning it was spent on introduction of oneself to the different subject teachers. but I made it through smoothly. Despite feeling tired, I was happy with my first day.

Before going to bed that night, a thought suddenly came to mind.

I think I saw the guy who bumped into me while exploring the campus yesterday.

He was the one who didn't even bother to apologize or check on me. Although the collision wasn't entirely his fault, I was partly to blame too, being too preoccupied to watch where I was going.

Maybe he was distracted at the time and didn't notice me. Who knows?

I spotted him sitting at a table in the cafeteria during lunch, wearing a semi-formal outfit and black leather shoes - the kind teachers typically wear.

Wait a minute, could he be a teacher?

I doubt it; he looks too young.

Maybe he's an older student or pursuing his master's.

I have no idea.

I guess I'll find out another day. Maybe I'll run into him again.

I finished my thought and lay in bed, ready for a good night's sleep.