Kim's decision to dive into campus life was driven by more than just a desire to belong. He saw the clubs as an opportunity to make connections, expand his horizons, and possibly discover a new passion. His journey, however, would quickly reveal that the university's social fabric was more complex than he had anticipated.
Seo, always the extrovert, led the way as they ventured from one club stall to another. The air was buzzing with activity, students animatedly speaking about their respective clubs. Kim watched, fascinated by the diversity of groups and the energy that filled the air. There was something about the freedom of choice, the ability to align oneself with a cause or interest, that appealed to him. Yet, as they made their way through the sprawling campus, a deeper realization began to form in his mind: the divide between students was more pronounced than he had thought.
Seo, noticing Kim's reflective silence, grinned. "I know what you're thinking," he said, nudging him playfully. "You want to join a club, but you're worried about fitting in, huh?"
Kim shot him a look, but Seo just chuckled. "Don't worry, you'll find your place. Just pick something that catches your eye, and don’t overthink it."
Kim nodded, his eyes scanning the bustling club fair. They passed by booths for the acting club, which boasted extravagant props and costumes, and the dance club, which had posters of glamorous performances and exciting routines. There was also the Daydreaming Club, where students lounged on oversized beanbags, discussing everything from the philosophy of dreams to the potential of alternate realities. Nearby, the Food Club displayed an array of mouthwatering samples, enticing students with the promise of gourmet cooking lessons and exclusive tasting events.
As Kim walked past each booth, he couldn’t help but notice the disparity. The clubs created by wealthy students were like well-oiled machines. They had their own dedicated spaces, lavish equipment, and even sponsorship from various brands. Some clubs, like the exclusive Yacht Club and the Business Strategy Group, had entire buildings rented out at astronomical prices. The richness of their resources was apparent at a glance, and it seemed that joining one of these clubs was a statement—an unspoken claim to social status.
Kim’s eyes flickered to Seo, who had been watching him closely. "You noticing the difference too?" Seo asked, his voice tinged with bitterness.
Kim nodded, his thoughts racing. "Yeah, it's like some of these clubs are just playgrounds for the rich."
Seo let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "It’s worse than that. Among the rich students, there’s a hierarchy. You’ve got the old money, the families who’ve been at the top for generations. Then there’s the new money—the ones who’ve made their fortune recently. It’s all about family names and connections. If you don’t come from the right lineage or have the right kind of wealth, you’re basically on the outside looking in."
Kim frowned, disturbed by this revelation. He had heard about the elitism among the wealthy, but seeing it laid bare was a different experience. These divisions ran deeper than he could have imagined.
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"They must be pretty exclusive," Kim said quietly.
Seo sighed. "Exclusive doesn't even cover it. The kids from the top families look down on the rest of us. Even among the scholarship students, you’ll notice that those from the middle class get the cold shoulder. It's like there's an invisible wall between us and them."
Kim's heart sank. He had known there would be challenges in adjusting to life at the university, but the realization that even here, in a place that prided itself on equality, the social barriers were so rigid left him feeling disillusioned. He had worked so hard to get to this point, and now he was faced with the reality that the odds were stacked even higher than he had expected.
But as they continued walking, Seo’s tone shifted, as if he could sense Kim’s unease. "But don’t worry," he said, offering a reassuring grin. "Not all clubs are like that. Some are just... regular. You know, places where students come together because they actually care about something."
Kim’s curiosity piqued. "Like what?"
Seo pointed toward a booth at the far end of the campus. It was modestly decorated, with no flashy signs or expensive branding. The students running the booth looked welcoming, but there was nothing overtly impressive about their setup.
"The Astronomy Club," Seo said. "It’s one of the few clubs on campus that doesn't care about status or family names. It’s run by a middle-class student, and everyone’s treated equally. Rich kids, scholarship students—doesn’t matter. If you’re interested in astronomy, they’ll let you in."
Kim squinted at the booth, intrigued. There was a warmth to the group that was different from the cold exclusivity of the other clubs. The students there looked like they were having an actual conversation, discussing constellations, telescopes, and upcoming stargazing events. Kim found himself drawn to their energy, a stark contrast to the elitism that seemed to define many of the other clubs.
"Let’s check it out," Kim said, his voice tinged with a hint of optimism.
Seo, who had been following Kim’s gaze, grinned. "I was wondering when you’d get interested. Let’s go."
The two of them walked over to the Astronomy Club booth, and as they approached, a friendly middle-aged man greeted them. He introduced himself as Professor Han, the club’s supervisor, and invited them to attend one of their upcoming stargazing sessions. The more they talked, the more Kim felt a sense of belonging. Professor Han emphasized the club’s inclusivity, explaining that their goal was to foster a love for the stars, not to create divisions based on social standing.
"Everyone is welcome," Professor Han said with a smile. "We’re not about status or wealth. We’re about curiosity, discovery, and learning together."
Kim felt a spark of hope ignite inside him. This was what he had been looking for—a place where he could feel like more than just a scholarship student. He was just another person in a room full of like-minded individuals.
As the conversation wound down, Kim turned to Seo with a smile. "I think this is the one."
Seo raised an eyebrow. "Really? You sure about that?"
Kim nodded. "Yeah. It feels right."
The two friends signed up for the Astronomy Club, their decision marking the beginning of a new chapter in Kim’s university life. Though there were many more clubs to explore, Kim felt a sense of accomplishment. He had found a place where he could grow, without the judgment or divisions that plagued so many other parts of the campus. For once, he felt like he belonged.