My dirty blond hair I neglected over the months looked short and sharp once washed and trimmed. I never realised how refreshing it felt after a haircut and from the day on always ensured my hair was neat and tidy. From the hairdresser, I noticed a sign on the post office window advertising passport photos. The motions of events lead me to be believe destiny shone down on me. I patiently waited in line to be called; my mood unfazed by the length of the line and the time it took. At the counter, I requested a passport photo, and the woman enquired about an application. I requested one and woman retrieved it from under the counter. Directed to the side, the woman pulled down a white screen and me to stand on the x marked on the ground. With the camera in hand, she took my photo. Three minutes and twelve dollars later I had four small photos and a hope I would never forget.

I held both the photos and application as though they were gold. Back at my apartment I didn't delay in filling out the application. I ate several slices of bread straight from the bag as I did so. I had not realised how hungry I was until that moment. The application required a signature by a witness and I thought my parole officer was the only person I knew well enough to ask. Once filled out and checked a second time I placed on the table with my photos on top ready to be returned to the Post Office the following day.

The quiet atmosphere around me emphasised my loneliness and the jubilant emotions pushing me forward faded. Before doubts could prick my thoughts and bring about a destructive mental state, I picked up my phone and sent Lee a short email.

Filled out application for passport. Wish me luck.

The sound of the clock ticking above the fridge echoed around the room. Like a constant reminder I was alone the sound penetrated my thoughts until I knew I had to keep moving. Preoccupy myself to the point I would not dwell on the what ifs. Food, or more so cooking, was not one of my strong points and as I made my way to the local takeaway shop down the road, I pondered over the things I would need sorted over the coming weeks. Accommodation would be the biggest hurdle. My current location made travelling a lengthy excursion. Even by car the city roads I was unfamiliar with and inclined not to use them. With rent paid until the end of the next month it gave me time to find somewhere, but where? I knew I wouldn't be able to afford a place on my own and shared accommodation would be my best choice. The thought pushed home my situation and the effort I would need to achieve to reach my goals. There were too many issues and not enough solutions as I purchased my dinner and returned to my apartment to a solitary celebratory dinner.

The letter informed me of another interview with sensei Friday morning and I arrived at the university an hour before my scheduled time. I walked around, checked the notice boards for advertisements for a roommate or any employment available. There were prospects, and I wrote phone numbers on my arm under my long sleeve top.

At the time for my appointment with Tanaka-sensei anxiety once more set in and I could feel the cold sweat creeping across my body.

"Ohaiyogozaimasu Shelden-san."

"Ohaiyogozaimasu Tanaka-sensei."

"I have your course structure here and materials required for my classes. I have included you into my second year class to undertake the one component yet to be completed. This will be in the first term of the first semester and run along side the first of the third year components. This shouldn’t impact your study and will allow you the opportunity to complete your degree in twelve months.”

"Thank you, Tanaka-sensei. I will do my best."

"I know you will. If you cannot manage the extra component on top of the four required this year, you will need to apply next year to complete."

"I understand."

"Good. We discussed your financial and living situation, how will this be for you now?"

"I need to find part time work and cheaper accommodation before the end of next month."

Tanaka-sensei took several papers out from her folder and slid them across the table.

"This is an application for student accommodation. The university has several apartment buildings in the surrounding areas within walking distance. I have filled out the administration information; you will need to fill out the rest. File this today with the student accommodation office in the administration building and they will tell you in a week or two if a room is available. It's late to be submitting your application but often students do not turn up for whatever reason and rooms become available."

"Thank you Tanaka-sensei. Thank you." The answer to my needs solved, I couldn’t express my gratitude any clearer.

"It might prove a waste of time but you do not know if you do not try."

I nodded. If I received student accommodation for the next year, it would make all the difference. I looked forward to telling Lee.

"Good luck Sheldon-san and I will see you first semester next year."

"Thank you again Tanaka-sensei, I am humbled by your faith in me."

Tanaka-sensei bowed, and I bowed back. It may prove a struggle to complete the five components but there were now two people I needed to prove I could succeed. If I did, then it would mean seeing Lee again.

From the interview, I went to the student accommodation office and registered for accommodation. They explained much the same as Tanaka-sensei mentioned waiting at least two weeks before being notified. From there I paid my fees for the year. That left me with little money for food and expenses but I couldn't let it bother me.

The library was my next point of call as I got my student I.D. card, then found a free computer, logged on and emailed Lee.

Lee,

Man I'm on cloud nine right now.

Course fees paid. Now have my student I.D. card. Possibility of student accommodation but I won't find out for another two weeks.

I'll call tomorrow.

I logged out before taking the paper with course materials out from my bag and checked it. If I purchased the books early, it would leave me with no money. But I wanted to succeed and with the course material to look over before I started, it gave me an advantage. With the following day Saturday, my first priority was job hunting. I had one month to find accommodation and two months before I started university. The sooner I found work, the sooner I could prepare for my future.