Becoming
1145 Words
Some weeks passed by as Maya continued her daily routine.
The lecture hall remained unusually quiet as the lecturer wrote the final points of the day’s lesson on the board.
“That will be all for today,” he said, closing his notebook. “Before you leave, we have some representatives from the Student Activities Committee who would like to make an announcement.”
A few students who had already begun packing their bags settled back into their seats.
The lecturer stepped aside as four students walked into the lecture hall. They were dressed neatly and carried flyers in their hands.
One of them moved to the front.
“Good afternoon, everyone.”
A chorus of greetings echoed through the hall.
“My name is Vanessa, and we’re here to tell you about an upcoming event organized for students. Registration officially opens today.”
She went on to explain that the event was a personality and talent contest designed to give students an opportunity to showcase themselves, build confidence, meet new people, and participate in different activities throughout the semester.
As she spoke, several students whispered excitedly among themselves.
Some were already interested.
Others hardly looked up from their phones.
When the announcement was over, the organizers thanked everyone and encouraged interested students to register before leaving.
Students began filing out of the lecture hall.
Maya picked up her notebook and slipped it into her backpack before making her way toward the exit.
She had barely taken a few steps when someone called after her.
“Excuse me.”
She turned.
One of the female organizers from the announcement was smiling at her.
“Hi.”
“Hello,” Maya replied politely.
“I hope you don’t mind me stopping you.”
“Not at all.”
The young lady looked at her for a moment before speaking.
“I noticed you while we were making the announcement.”
Maya looked slightly confused.
“You did?”
She nodded.
“I think you’d make a wonderful contestant.”
Maya blinked.
“Me?”
“Yes.”
A small laugh escaped Maya.
“I don’t think so.”
“I’m serious,” the organizer continued. “You have a pleasant appearance, and I think you’d do really well.”
Maya shifted the strap of her backpack.
“I’ve never participated in anything like that before.”
“There’s always a first time.”
The organizer handed her a registration flyer.
“You don’t have to decide this minute, but I honestly think you should give yourself a chance.”
Maya accepted the flyer.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. I hope to see you at the orientation meeting.”
With one last smile, the organizer walked away.
Maya remained where she was for a few seconds, staring at the flyer in her hands.
She had never imagined herself participating in a contest.
The thought felt strange.
Yet…
There was a tiny part of her that was curious.
⸻
After thinking about it for a day, Maya eventually registered.
She wasn’t sure what to expect, but she convinced herself that trying something new wouldn’t hurt.
A few days later, she attended the contestants’ orientation meeting.
The room was filled with students chatting excitedly as the organizers explained the activities that would take place over the following weeks.
Contestants would be expected to attend rehearsals, workshops, and practice sessions.
There would also be themed appearances, which meant everyone would need suitable outfits and shoes for different activities.
As Maya listened, her excitement slowly faded.
Outfits.
Shoes.
Accessories.
Each item silently translated into money.
Money she simply didn’t have.
She remained quiet throughout the rest of the meeting.
When it finally ended, contestants gradually began leaving in groups.
Maya adjusted her bag and headed toward the gate.
“You live this way too?”
She turned to see one of the contestants smiling at her.
“Hi,” the girl said. “I’m Sandra.”
“Maya.”
“It’s nice meeting you.”
“You too.”
Since they were both heading in the same direction, they decided to walk together.
Their conversation flowed easily.
They talked about lectures, assignments, and how neither of them had expected to join the contest.
“You seem really calm,” Sandra observed.
Maya laughed.
“I’m only calm on the outside.”
“I knew it.”
Both girls laughed.
As they continued walking, Sandra suddenly stopped in front of a boutique.
“Oh…”
She looked through the glass window.
“I almost forgot.”
She turned to Maya.
“I need to check something quickly.”
“Sure.”
The two girls stepped inside.
Rows of dresses lined the walls, each one more beautiful than the last.
Sandra walked around excitedly while Maya quietly admired the displays.
One of the attendants brought out a few dresses and mentioned their prices.
Sandra nodded thoughtfully.
Maya simply listened.
She already knew they were beyond what she could afford.
Just then, a familiar voice called Sandra’s name.
She turned immediately.
“Oh my goodness!”
A young man walked into the boutique with a smile.
“You disappeared.”
“I’ve been busy,” Sandra replied with a laugh.
The two exchanged a few words before Sandra looked at him playfully.
“I actually need a favor.”
He folded his arms dramatically.
“I knew there was a reason you sounded so excited to see me.”
Sandra laughed.
“I need a dress for a contest.”
“So?”
She smiled sheepishly.
“I’m a little short on cash.”
The young man looked at the dress in her hands before shaking his head with a smile.
“You never change.”
“So… you’ll help me?”
After pretending to think about it for a few seconds, he sighed.
“Fine.”
Sandra clapped happily.
“I knew I could count on you.”
The young man paid for the dress while Sandra thanked him repeatedly.
Standing a short distance away, Maya watched the exchange quietly.
She smiled.
Not because of the dress.
But because of what she had witnessed.
Someone had shown up for Sandra without hesitation.
As they left the boutique, Sandra held the shopping bag with excitement.
“I owe him big time.”
Maya smiled.
“You’re lucky.”
Sandra laughed.
“I really am.”
The journey home continued, but Maya found herself thinking about what she had seen.
It wasn’t the expensive dress that stayed on her mind.
It was the friendship.
She had never really stopped to think about how comforting it must feel to have people you could rely on without fear of being a burden.
Some people had friends who stepped in before they even had to ask twice.
The thought lingered with her all the way home.
- Writer
