Novatada. Darling, welcome to Espol!

Thursday, May 7th, 2026.

I woke up at 5:30 after tossing and turning in bed all night. I only managed to sleep for four hours. I didn’t mean to get so nervous, but I really was. This day felt important because it was my first official outfit and my first impression on everyone there.

My sister drove me there after dropping off our mom at  work. Rush hour had already begun, and even though I arrived on time, there was a huge crowd at the rectorate plaza.

According to the schedule, the Novatada—the introduction for new students—was supposed to start at 8:00 a.m. I got there at 7:45, and the line to receive the welcome kit seemed endless.

I didn't get it there but later at the coliseum. 

Anyway, the guided tour started at 8:15. Some students were standing there holding signs with the names of the different degree programs, almost as if we were arriving at an airport and being welcomed by our respective majors. I almost forgot: I ran into Dylan, a friend from high school, as well as a few others from my prep course. Perhaps the most important encounter was with Domenica, since we will be studying the same degree: Food Engineering.

Anyway, the highlight of the day was this: What are the odds that my cousin and my friend know each other? I am talking about Timothy and David, who study Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science, respectively. 

Both of them were at the same stand, I don't know wether they belong to the same club, but they somehow knew each other, and it was weird, ngl. Funny but weird. Now I have two buddies yay! 

Later on, I ran into Rebeca who made it into Espol. Not in the degree she originally wanted, but she can change later so, the important thing is that she got into the university. Then, we ran into Pablo and his friends, and we took a selfie together. 

I don’t think I’ve ever said this before, but I am so lucky to have found such incredible friends. The three of us are like a dynamic trio.

Of course, we also ran into and greeted a few classmates from the pre-university course—Tatiana, Christian, and José. Unfortunately, only a few of them made it in. I wish them all the best, no matter where they end up studying.

Finally, since the sun was blazing and we were starting to get hungry, we headed to Naturissimo for some pan de yuca. I had a kid’s combo with strawberry yogurt. It was so refreshing and yummy.

The day was over, and Rebeca's dad was coming to pick her up. She asked me wether I wanted a lift, and of course, I said yes. In the end, David and I got into Rebeca’s father’s car. 

Thank you, sir. It was a pleasure seeing you again! 

I had a great time today; I’m really looking forward to starting classes, but I’m also a little nervous about what’s to come. 

Or I could also say: I really enjoyed this day. I’m excited to start classes, but I’m also a little afraid of what lies ahead.

ps: Lo estoy publicando casi un mes después de la novatada. Hice bien en temer a lo que se venía. Derivadas, energía y trabajo, arp, fuerzas intermoleculares...

Primer informe de física sobre velocidad instantánea. 

Is there someone out there to throw me down a lifeline? - The Outside by Alex Warren