During Sarah's* junior year of high school, she was invited to attend an overnight at one of her top school choices because of their great track and field program. She was nervous, but also excited to get a glimpse into what being an athlete was like at this college. 

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Sarah got to the school on a Friday morning, and briefly met her host, Britney, who she would be staying with for her overnight. Britney seemed nice enough. Sarah dropped off her bags and then attended two classes that she found really interesting. Sarah got to meet some people on the team who were talking to her about how they were having a movie night and Sarah should tell her host to bring her over to their room to hang out with them. 

Sarah felt pretty optimistic about her visit so far, until she went back to Britney's room who changed her mind. Sarah mentioned how Britney's teammates had invited them to their room, but Britney only laughed at this. Britney then started to make fun of people who hang out and go out with their friends, saying that people who do this don't have their priorities straight in college.

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Sarah wanted to spend more time with the team, but she didn't want to make Britney mad so she stayed quiet and did homework with Britney in her room. Right before the lights got turned off, Britney mentioned to Sarah that they would be going to church tomorrow morning and they had to be awake at 7am. Britney had never asked Sarah's religious identity, and Sarah felt taken aback by how this plan Britney had felt like a demand rather than a suggestion. Sarah did not feel like she had the choice to say no, so at 7am they were up and getting around for church. After church, Sarah went back to Britney's room to pick up her things, went back to the coaches office to say goodbye, and then promptly left. 

Sarah did not end up at this school, but she sure is glad she went there for a visit before blindly committing!

*Names are changed for anonymity

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* Originally published on April 11, 2023, by Bella Nevin