Finding Herself

The start of the spring semester brought a sense of renewal to campus. The crisp air still carried the bite of winter, but students bustled with energy, eager to start fresh. For Jess, this semester felt different. She had spent the last few months adjusting to life as Jess, navigating friendships, relationships, and the undeniable truth that Jason was gone. But now, standing in the middle of the annual campus fair, she faced a new question: Who was she going to be next?

"Alright, where do we start?" Kevin asked, stretching his arms above his head. "I say we hit up the food booths first."

"You always say that," Olivia teased, nudging him in the ribs.

Jess laughed. "Actually, I want to see what sports and clubs they have. I feel like I need to find something that’s mine."

"Ooh, self-discovery arc! I like it." Hannah clapped her hands together. "Let’s do it!"

Together, they weaved through the maze of booths. The fair was lively, with students eagerly promoting their organizations. Flyers, posters, and banners waved in the wind, and the scent of grilled food mixed with the crisp air. Jess stopped at a rowing club booth, watching a video of students slicing through the water in perfect synchronization.

"You interested?" a senior with an athletic build asked, noticing Jess’s gaze.

"Maybe," Jess said hesitantly. "I’ve never tried rowing before."

"It’s an incredible sport," he said. "Great full-body workout, and you get to be on the water at sunrise. We’re always looking for new members."

Jess nodded, adding her name to the interest list.

Next, she found herself at the springboard diving booth. The idea of flipping through the air intrigued her.

"Diving?" Kevin asked, raising an eyebrow. "Didn’t take you for the graceful type."

"Gee, thanks," Jess shot back. "It looks fun. Why not try?"

"Hey, if you want to hurl yourself off a board into cold water, who am I to judge?"

The track and field booth was next. The club captain, a petite girl with a fierce demeanor, sized Jess up.

"Ever run competitively?" she asked.

"Not really," Jess admitted.

"Doesn’t matter. We take all skill levels. You ever want to see how fast you can go, come by."

"I’ll think about it."

By midday, Jess had a list of three sports she wanted to try. But the fair wasn’t just about athletics—clubs lined the other half of the quad, each with their own unique appeal.

First up: the board game club.

"So, what kind of games are we talking?" Jess asked.

"Everything! Strategy, role-playing, deck-building—you name it!" the club leader beamed. "We meet twice a week for casual play and host tournaments too."

Kevin snorted. "Nerd."

"Says the guy who plays fantasy football like it’s his job."

Next was the knitting club. Olivia dragged them over, practically bouncing.

"Knitting?" Jess asked skeptically.

"It’s therapeutic! Plus, you get to make cool stuff," Olivia said, pointing at a table of colorful scarves and beanies. "Come on, just try it once."

Jess sighed but put her name down anyway.

Last on her list was the Kung Fu club. As they approached, students demonstrated techniques, sparring in controlled movements. The precision and fluidity of it fascinated Jess.

"This actually looks kind of cool," she admitted.

"I don’t know if I should be concerned or impressed that you’re considering combat training," Leanna mused.

"A little of both," Kevin said.

After signing up for her final club, Jess felt accomplished—but something still gnawed at her. That feeling only grew stronger when she got back to her apartment and found an envelope waiting for her. The return address made her stomach twist.

"Delta Delta Delta," she read aloud. "It’s from the sorority."

Leanna leaned against the counter. "Well? Open it."

Jess tore the envelope open and scanned the letter. "Congratulations… we are pleased to offer you membership… blah blah blah… move-in date is next week."

The room fell silent. Olivia grinned. "That’s amazing, Jess!"

But Jess didn’t look so sure. "Is it? I mean, it’s a huge honor, but…"

"But what?" Hannah pressed.

Jess hesitated. "It means moving out. Away from you guys."

The weight of her words settled in. The idea of living in the sorority house felt surreal. She had finally found a group of friends she trusted—people who accepted her without question. Leaving that behind for an unfamiliar environment felt… wrong.

Leanna watched her carefully. "So… what do you want to do?"

Jess swallowed hard. "I don’t know yet."

As the first week of classes approached, Jess had more questions than answers. Who was she becoming? Could she balance her new interests while staying true to herself? And most importantly—was she really ready to leave behind the people who had become her family?

For now, all she could do was take it one step at a time.