We Took A Chance

I wasn't able to sleep at all last night. My advisor's email kept coming back into my thoughts. I was rather curious of this opportunity but very nervous. I have always wanted to study abroad. Perhaps to Australia or Italy. I'm just not sure if I'm ready to do something like that. Sure, right now I'm away from home but it's only a 4 hour drive. If I leave the country, it's not an easily solved problem.

My palms were sweaty as I walked along the pebbled path up to the advisor building. The sky was a cloudless blue which made the day very bright. If it weren't for the dropping temps, it wouldn't feel like fall. Mrs. Smith's office was at the end of the long hallway filled with doors. No one was around and it felt like I was walking down the hallway to my death sentence. I slowly passed by each brown door until I reached the one that read 'Carrie Smith'. I knock and hear a faint "Come in!" from inside.

"Ms. Allen! Pleased to see you've made it. Take a seat." she motioned to the wooden chair in from of her desk. She clicked a few things on her computer and her printer went off. She took the papers in her hands and set them on the desk. "Okay, Ms. Allen, this is an overview of the program I wrote to you about. It's for a university in London looking for students from around the world to take their Masters program in journalism. I know you're in your last semester to get your Bachelor's so this will be fitting for you. Is it something you'd be interested in?"
I didn't realize I was holding my breath in. London. Knowing where I could go made this so much more real.
"Wow, I don't know what to say. I never thought I'd have this opportunity, honestly."
"I know it's a lot to take in but it would be only 2 years while you finish the Master's program. I highly believe this is something you should consider, Ms. Allen." I nod my head at her words, I'm glad she's not putting me on the spot for an answer.

She grabs the papers she had placed in front of me and staples them together before continuing. "Here. Look this over, think about it and let me know by the end of the week. If you don't take it, I will have to pass on the opportunity to another student in the department." she hands me the small stack of papers. It will be a hard decision.

The rest of the day I couldn't focus in class. The papers in my book bag were burning a hole in there. I couldn't wait to get home and read it. When my last class was finally done with, I rushed home to finally find out what I was facing with this. As soon as I opened my apartment door, I dropped my bag on the sofa and dug through it to find the papers I had received earlier.

I get comfortable on my couch and go over all of the information provided. The offer was for University College London and basically they want students from 10 different countries to take their new Master's program on journalism. I would need a student visa, and provide proof of funds or scholarship acceptance forms. After I was done going over everything, I knew that I wanted to go. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity. I just needed to know how I was going to pay for this.

I decided to call my father. I haven't spoken to him much since the divorce proceedings started. My relationship with him hadn't always been the best, now it is further strained. Either way, he is the one who pays for everything, so I'd have to speak to him.

"Hello?" his deep voice answered on the other side of the phone.
"Hey, dad." I tried to sound as sweet as possible. If all went fine, I'd be able to get away with him paying everything.
"How are you sweetie? Wasn't expecting your call."
"I'm sorry are you busy?"
"No, no, I didn't mean it like that. What's going on, tell me." he knows me so well, he must sense I want something. I begin to pace around the kitchen before answering.
"Well, actually, I wanted to speak to you about something. I have this opportunity to do my Master's at one of the best universities in London and I'm actually about to accept the offer. I'm just not sure if you'd still pay for everything like you do here..." I didn't want to beat around the bush, I really needed to know if I could count on his financial support.
"Wait, what? You want to leave the country?! Zoe, you very well know that I didn't approve of you going away to college in the first place. Why would you think I'd be ok with you leaving the damn country?!" I already figured this would happen.
"Dad, but it's in my best interest! I've always wanted to study abroad."
"Well, Zoe, you'll have to figure it out on your own. You want London, you pay for it."
"Dad, this is not fair! I'm your daughter."
"Because you're my daughter, you need to learn to be responsible. I think it's time to start paying for your own stuff. If you're old enough to decide you want to leave the country then you are old enough to find a way to do it."
And that was that. I have a dream and no means to pay for it. I need to bring my grades up and apply for scholarships. I needed to go to London, it's calling me for sure.

Notes

I know the chapters have been kind of boring but we need to get Zoe to London before the real fun begins. :)