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This story took place around the middle of October in 2018. My friend had asked me to come along with her for an audition held in Los Angeles. Now at the time, I wasn’t the outdoor type of person, I was more of the type to stay home and binge movies during weekends. Though I did admit that it got boring sometimes, I couldn’t do anything else. After all, this was a good opportunity to get out of my comfort zone. So with that, I eventually succumbed to curiosity, and shot a text accepting her invite. Saturday rolled in and my anxiety was intensifying, I would be riding a bus with strangers for four hours, far away from home. Upon entering, I got separated from my friend in the bus; to add, ended with a lovely spot next to the restroom. Nevertheless I persisted, shoved my earbuds in, plugged my nose, and did my homework. We arrived at the bus station on time, and more than relieved was I to leave. I was recovering from the restroom smell as we waited for an Uber, which picked us up shortly. The ride took another half an hour, but it was way preferable than sitting next to the restroom. We jammed and bopped our heads to throwback Disney songs, sticking our heads out and breathing in the California air. It felt amazing, and I felt my anxiety from earlier wash away. We left the Uber and stood in front of the refined building. My friend and I soon entered the waiting room, a nervous atmosphere greeting us. She was signing her audition paper and suggested I audition as well. After all, I did sit four hours in a smelly bus to come along. Disinclined, I signed as well. We sat in the waiting room, awkwardly socializing with other nervous contestants, holding hands and praying. My group was called and I heard my heart palpitate. Thinking about it, everyone did come prepared with a song. For me? I had no idea what to sing. As the auditions went down the line, I contemplated whether to recreate Ariana Grande’s high note. I mean my notes hit pretty high when I’m scared, but at this point, I was more anxious than afraid. The judges directed the camera at me and I gulped standing there. With shaky knees and sweaty palms, I sang the first thing on my mind. I left the room feeling lightheaded, and realized I had squeakily sung something from Meghan Trainor. Eventually I relaxed and waited for my friend to finish her auditions, talking to the new friends I met. Until she came back, my adrenaline was still rushing. Still, I was more satisfied than disappointed on the way home; and to be honest, wished I could’ve stayed a bit longer. Despite messing up, I felt productive for the first time: spending the whole day out of bed, socializing, and doing something uncomfortable. No, I didn’t make the cut, but I received joyful texts from my new friend, who had been one of the talented few that did. All in all, this trip has been by far the most memorable one I’ve had. From the fears I’ve overcome to the friends I met, I’ll admit that the rancid 4-hour ride was worth the experience. I’ve touched the bed less and less every weekend after that. Fueled by wanderlust, I started arranging small trips with old friends to nearby cities, where we walked around and caught up on life. I grew bored of being in the same cycle of school and home, and more fond of meandering the world outside my bed, the people I could meet, and events I would never forget. I enjoy reminiscing about the daily highlights before sleeping, and I seek to continue that. In a way, wandering outside brought solace to my stressful life, especially now as a high school student. My haphazard lifestyle began to calm as travelling has helped me find my grip and rhythm between school and break. To this day, I still haven’t forgotten to thank my friend for this experience, and I know some time in the future we will have another one.