The early morning light streamed through the curtains, signaling the start of a new day. Kim’s eyes opened to the familiar sound of birds outside the window and the gentle hum of the world coming to life. It wasn’t much—this small, modest room in his parents' house—but it was his sanctuary. It was the place where his journey began, and now, it was the place that fueled his determination.

He pushed off the blankets and quickly dressed, moving with purpose. Today was important. The first day of real university classes. The beginning of something far greater than just school—it was the beginning of his future. The future he had promised himself and his family.

As he finished tying his shoes, Kim heard his mother’s voice from the kitchen, calling to him. "Kim, don’t forget your jacket, and stay safe today." Her words echoed through the house as Kim walked toward the door, but it wasn’t just the usual advice. There was a depth to her words now, a silent plea for him to be careful. She knew how hard the road would be for him, and her concern weighed heavily on his heart.

"Don’t let anyone take advantage of you," she repeated, her voice thick with both love and anxiety. Kim nodded, forcing a smile as he tried to reassure her. He could see the worry in her eyes, and it made the weight of his responsibility even heavier. His family had placed all their hopes on him. His mother, his father, his younger brother and sister—they were all counting on him to make it. To succeed where they had struggled.

With one last glance at his family, their faces etched in his memory, Kim stepped outside. The cool morning air hit his face, and for a moment, it felt like a reminder of everything he had to face. The world outside his home was different—larger, colder, more unforgiving. But it was a world he had to navigate, no matter the cost.

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The walk to campus felt longer than usual. As he passed through the streets, he couldn’t help but notice the difference between the homes here and the modest one he had just left behind. The grand houses, the sleek cars, the people who moved through the world with ease—he was nothing like them. He was an outsider in their world, a reminder of the divide between the rich and the poor. And though he tried to keep his head high, there was always a lingering sense of doubt. Could he ever truly belong here? Could he ever become one of them?

As Kim neared the campus, the familiar anxiety began to creep up on him. The university gates loomed ahead, the entrance to a world where he was just another face among many. There was no room for mistakes here. His every move would be watched, judged. It was a harsh reality, but one that he had accepted.

He remembered his father’s words from the night before. "You’ve got this, son. Just keep your head down and do your best."

Kim had heard these words countless times before, but today they felt different. Today, they were more than just encouragement—they were a reminder of the immense responsibility he carried. It wasn’t just about succeeding for himself; it was about making sure that his family would never have to go back to the life they had before. That was what kept him moving forward. His parents’ sacrifices, his siblings’ hopes, and his own unrelenting drive to prove that he could make it, no matter the cost.

Entering the university campus, the sea of faces was both overwhelming and familiar. Students huddled in groups, chatting about their classes, discussing their lives. Kim felt the weight of their stares, the silent judgments they passed. He wasn’t one of them. He knew that. He was here to survive, not to make friends or fit in. But as much as he tried to focus on his goal, he couldn’t ignore the loneliness that lingered in the corners of his mind.