Lulia, an Eritrean-African princess, was setting off a new journey, leaving her royal home to invest in her education. Excitement and fear filled her heart as she stepped on the university campus for the first time.

The campus buildings stood tall, conveying a sense of grandeur as daunting as any palace. Lulia couldn’t help but think about how different this place was from her home.

She was given a dorm room to share with another girl named Bety, who had already started arranging her belongings when Lulia arrived.

Bety greeted Lulia warmly, instantly breaking some of the anxiety that had built up. Lulia and Bety chatted about UVA and their excitement in start new chapter in their life.

Lulia began to understand the campus map better. She attended her first lecture, making notes diligently, even though some concepts were foreign to her.

She faced a culture shock at the dining hall, with all this new students. However, she decided to view this as yet another exciting adventure.

Lulia found a small group of Eritrean and Ethiopian students, and she found comfort in their company. They shared similar stories about adjusting to the new life on campus.

She joined the university’s African Society, creating a platform for African students to voice and celebrate their culture, which she was very passionate about.

Balancing academics, cultural activities, and social life was challenging but Lulia was determined. She managed her commitments by creating a structured routine.

Some days were difficult, homesickness crept in, but Lulia reminded herself of her reasons for choosing this path. Her royal duties could wait; now, it was time to learn.

She held discussions about her homeland's history and heritage in the African Society, educating people about Eritrea and the unique traditions it beholds.

On weekends, Lulia and her friends would explore downtown charlottesville, finding strange and fascinating elements of the new city they were submerged in.

Lulia found pleasure in visiting art museums, soaking in the works of artists from different eras, interpreting them through her lens.

Weeks rolled into months, and Lulia started getting accustomed to her new lifestyle. Her initial apprehension was gradually replaced by confidence and enthusiasm.

She excelled in her academic pursuits, impressing her professors with not just her intellect but also her perspective as future medical doctor.

The bond between Lulia and her freinds deepened over time, their differences in background and lifestyle proving to be a source of enrichment rather than conflict.

Lulia didn’t forget her roots, she planned an Eritrean Cultural Day, wherein she showcased the traditions, food, and music of her homeland.

The event was a grand success with people appreciating her efforts and eagerness to share her rich heritage with them. The university witnessed a snippet of Eritrean culture that day.

As the end of the year approached, she reflected on her journey. All the challenges, the struggles, the victories, and the learning she experienced.

Lulia realized she had gained not just an education but also a broadened perspective. She had learned to adapt, to appreciate differences, and to celebrate diversity.

She knew she had much more to learn and experience, but she felt proud of how far she had come. She was ready to face whatever came next.

Despite the struggles she faced, the homesickness, and the cultural shock, Lulia had grown to love the university. It was now a second home for her.

As she prepared to return home for the summer, she felt a mix of emotions. There was anticipation to see her family, but a part of her would miss this new life.

Lulia packed her bags, carrying with her not just the physical possessions but new beliefs, values, friendships, and an unquenchable thirst for learning.

As her dad's car pulled away from the dormitory, Lulia took one last look at the campus. She knew she would be back, ready for another year of adventures.

Lulia had not just survived her first year of university, she had thrived. She was excited about the future, confident about her abilities, and sure of her path.

Lulia smiled as she thought about her journey. She was no longer just a princess of Eritrea; she was a student of the world, exploring one adventure at a time.