What Are You Doing Here?

As the first weekend at Ward University has passed, classes are finally about to start. In this episode we get to meet a few of the most renowned Ward University professors, plus a couple new students who seem to have A LOT to say about our protagonists' lives. In the midst of all this, Judith Ward makes an interesting announcement.

## Plot

Fatima appears on screen to give her viewers an update on her first week of university. She describes the freshman party she attended in the previous episode, which didn't go as planned and involved her shoes getting ruined when Raymond vomited. However, Fatima shares that her week was redeemed by meeting her new friend, Erika. They share a moment of bonding and then Erika does Fatima's makeup, the two becoming fast friends.

The scene transitions to Judith Ward, addressing the students with a significant announcement. She reveals a campus tradition that first-year students may find daunting: a mandatory holiday play. However, there is an incentive - those who participate in the production can skip their midterm exams, with their grade for the semester determined only by their performance in the play. Ward declares that this year's production will be a musical adaptation of "Wicked," raising the stakes for the students.

In the dance studio, we're introduced to Professor Drawn, the strict dance instructor who holds her students to high standards. As the class warms up, she carefully observes her pupils and singles out Cleo for her posture. She makes it clear that she expects nothing but the best from her in the upcoming auditions. Cleo tries to keep her nerves in check, but she's clearly overwhelmed by the pressure. Kaci Reign, a cheerful student, approaches Cleo and greets her warmly. However, Cleo's anxiety proves too difficult to shake off, and she remains tense and wound up.

Professor Reaves, a new faculty member at Ward University, teaches a music class with a rather unconventional approach that fails to inspire his students. He shares his experience as a failed actor and musician, and his lesson veers towards the absurd. Travis and Charlie exchange bemused glances as Reaves rambles on about the nuances of comedic timing. Meanwhile, in Professor Rutledge's creative writing class, the students receive an assignment to write a short story under the prompt "What are you doing here?" Fatima, one of the students, struggles with the task, finding it challenging to start.

Later, Fatima finds herself lost in thought while staring blankly at the busy scene in the cafeteria. Suddenly, Erika bursts into the room with Raymond and Kaci in tow, introducing them to Fatima. They sit down together and chat, and Fatima confides in them about her struggles with the writing assignment. Erika beams with pride at having Fatima as a friend, offering words of encouragement.

Meanwhile, Tia Frost notices Cleo staring intently at Fatima, Erika, Raymond, and Kaci from another table. She playfully nudges Cleo and asks what's on her mind. Back at Fatima's table, Erika's phone rings, and it's her parents on the line. She must explain the situation with her troubled brother, Jasper. In a moment of weakness, Erika lies to cover for Jasper's antics. Later, she confesses her inner turmoil to Fatima, revealing her deep love for her brother.

The tension in the dance studio is palpable as the professor's prediction comes true - the actor students arrive, led by none other than Candy Ward. Kaci dismisses their chances, assuming that Judith Ward's daughter will secure the lead role. Raymond steps in, urging everyone to focus on their own auditions and not worry about the competition.

In Professor Mabry's practical music lesson, Lori and her friends barge in, demanding extra lessons to secure the lead role in the upcoming musical. After class, Travis and Charlie approach the professor, seeking advice on where to hold auditions for their new band. A montage of students settling into university life follows, with Fatima narrating her short story assignment she has finished writing. Ezra, who is revealed to be a talented musician, auditions for Travis and Charlie's band, impressing them with his skills.

Late at night, while practicing ballet, Cleo receives criticism from Professor Drawn, who questions her ability to handle the pressure and implies that she's not good enough yet. Meanwhile, Ezra observes Cleo from the classroom door. A montage follows, showing Cleo practicing ballet over time and becoming more integrated into the group she previously watched during lunch. During recess, Ezra meets Charlie and Travis, and they brainstorm the name "The Black Sheep" for their band.

At another table, Tia playfully confronts Erika about staring at Jasper, and Erika confesses that he is her brother. Tia apologizes and hints at a complicated history between them. Additionally, Professor Rutledge asks for a private meeting with Fatima, during which he introduces her to Raja Banerjee and suggests they collaborate on a script for a short film.

## Cast

###### Main (in order of appearance)

* EClassy as Fatima Antar
* Zarii Arii as Erika Bell
* Diana Heslin as Judith Ward
* Alyssa Shadow as Cleo Harper
* Bri Storm as Kaci Reign
* Serendipitia as Charlie Zimmer
* Phoenix-Artisan as Travis Lockhart
* ConnorTheVGFan78 as Raymond Stainfield
* Andy Jordan as Tia Frost
* Allie Goodell as Candy Ward
* Casey Sara as Lori Caberera
* Tyler Velazquez as Ryan Flint
* Skyler Gilbert-Allen as Ezra Hunter
* Cresmeré as Raja Banerjee

###### Supporting (in order of appearance)

* MLJonesVO as Professor Eva Drawn
* Richard Camfield as Professor Lex Reaves
* Richard Camfield as Professor Barry Rutledge
* LangleyFall as Rufus Bell
* Hannah Okosisi as Nora Bell
* Hannah Okosisi as Yaritza Mabry
* Simsberrry as Mei Ji

## Notes and Trivia

* Simmer Boi broke the fourth wall in a way that would make Travis proud. She actually made a sim-appearance in the auditions scene! That's right, she stepped right into the Sim world to be a part of the action. Talk about dedication to your craft...!
* Words