New beginnings had a way of making you feel both small and limitless at the same time.
Akutu had spent years building a life on her university campus, surrounded by familiar faces and predictable routines.
Now, she was thousands of miles away, in a country she had never been to, where no one knew her name.
It was both terrifying and exhilarating.
The moment she stepped off the plane, the unfamiliar air hit her—crisper, cooler, different.
The city stretched out before her, a blend of towering buildings, bustling streets, and voices speaking in accents she wasn't used to.
She clutched the strap of her backpack, took a deep breath, and reminded herself—
"This is what you wanted. This is your fresh start."
Her first challenge? Navigating the airport.
Everything felt overwhelming—the rushing crowds, the flashing screens, the announcements in a language she only partially understood.
After what felt like an eternity, she finally spotted a sign with her name:
"Akutu Mensah – International Exchange Student"
Holding it was a woman in her late thirties, with short, curly hair and a warm smile.
"You must be Akutu!" she said cheerfully. "Welcome! I'm Professor Claire, your program coordinator."
Akutu smiled back, grateful for the familiarity of a welcoming face. "Thank you. It's great to be here."
The ride to campus was a blur of city lights and new sights.
She tried to take it all in—the towering skyscrapers, the colorful street vendors, the unfamiliar yet exciting hum of a new world.
"You'll love it here," Professor Claire assured her. "It takes some getting used to, but trust me, this city has a way of growing on you."
Akutu nodded, gripping the small folded paper Kojo had given her before she left.
She hadn't opened it yet.
Something told her she'd need it at just the right moment.
When they arrived at the university, Akutu felt a strange mix of déjà vu and nervous excitement.
New campus. New people. New possibilities.
She was starting over.
And with that realization, she squared her shoulders and stepped forward.
The pulleys of life had shifted once again.