Chasing Olympus

Octavia couldn't help but watch the graduation caps floating up in the sky as her fellow pupils released vibrant shouts of joy, finally they were free from the shackles of high school. The main building which stood proudly before them didn't seem as intimidating as it once did. Now it only stood as a monument, reminding them of their past. Yes, she was excited to start her adult life, but where would she start? She felt alone in this war of where to next, as her fellow classmates seemed to have their entire futures planned out. Most were settled on Universities and Colleges, others on partying and living their  best young adult lives and others rather on going straight into the workplace and learning life skills. Some might not have been the most practical, but it was a plan nonetheless. She thought of studying something along the lines of working with people, maybe Psychology, but she wasn't in the mood to intrude into the minds of people for a living, after all she had been doing that her entire life. Call it a hidden talent if you must. Then the idea of maybe rebelling a bit and protesting against the injustices of the world appealed to her as well, but once again being surrounded by all those who have been wronged by society and the government wasn't a great idea. She always seemed to find the downside to any career or path with regards to her gift. A blessing and a curse it was.  "Octavia!" someone from behind her called. Caleb pulled her into a bone-shattering hug. Caleb was Octavia's best friend, maybe that wasn't the best description, because the truth is they were much closer than best friends. They were brother and sister, truly. "Congratulations on getting Class Valedictorian! Although...you stole my title from me," he said playfully. Caleb always only wanted the best for her, but they did tend to get a bit competitive. However, their banter remained just that, banter, and they were always happy with the others victories and comforted the other when they weren't as victorious. "You put up a good fight though," Octavia admitted. "So, O...are we joining a series of feminist protests or are we saving the ocean?" Caleb made a good point. Octavia was a true feminist at best and although she wasn't a complete saint when it came to being environmentally savvy, she did care about the oceans and equality. "Oh, that is tempting and maybe as a side job, but considering the fact that I'm still completely clueless. I think I'm going to travel for a year at least. See Paris first and then maybe Venice and Florence." Octavia had decided that this was a better option, after all it involved anything she desired. Her mom's, Alice and Penelope, agreed to fund her, besides they were privileged than most and could afford it. Their only condition was that she try to make a small difference anywhere she went, which was completely fair and without a doubt not even something she hadn't considered.  After hearing the news and the details, Caleb could not stop talking about it and suggesting places Octavia should visit like the Sacre Coeur, the Champs Elysees and Montmatre. By the time Octavia managed to find her parents who were mingling with teachers, she had no doubt that Caleb had created a daily itinerary. She was excited for this new experience, but she couldn't help but feel like this trip would drastically change her life. All she could hope for was that it would be for the better.