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It was at the end of grade six, at the pancake breakfast, when it hit me; I was going into a new school and leaving everything behind that I had known for 7 years. I was going into a school with new people, new teachers and new classrooms. At first I was worried about not being the big kid in the school anymore but actually being the smallest, that we wouldn’t have recess any more and that we would be trapped inside all day.
A few weeks later after the pancake breakfast Matthew Halton’s Principal and Vice Principal came into our classroom and talked about all the different classes that we would be taking. That is what got me really worried. Having to get to know more than one teacher? 'That’s going to be impossible,' I thought.
Next thing I knew it was the day before school. Packing my lunch, getting my supplies ready and thinking 'What is going to happen tomorrow'.
The next day, 3 steps before the door of Mathew Halton, I am about to walk into a brand new school. 2 steps, should I turn back, should I just go home? Last step, No I am ok, what could happen?
As soon as I walked in that door my thoughts became exactly opposite, instead of being scared I was now excited. Walking in I found my class' paper and huddled with a group of my friends, busily bantering on about what class we were in and our summer stories. Suddenly the bell rings, none of us remembered where to go. Panicking, I looked around trying to find a clue were my classroom was. Then I saw my teacher heading toward the classroom. As a group, me and my friends walked to the classroom.
Stepping inside I saw that it was just like a normal class room, empty desks filling the room, motivational posters lining the walls, the pungent smell of pencil shavings and eraser bits and the teacher sitting in the corner of the room quietly keeping to themselves as they get ready to teach the next lesson. The empty desks soon begin to fill as students walk in. The teacher stands up to silently signify that class had started. “First thing that we will be doing today class is organize you into your lockers.” Suddenly a new spark lit in my head... lockers! My own personal space to keep my school supplies and I can leave my other stuff in here too, instead of stuffing it all in my desk.
Soon after this is when school just felt like normal school, getting introduced to our class times, our agendas and organizing our binders and note books.
Before I knew it, it was lunch. But this was no ordinary lunch; I got to eat at the cafeteria today! Yes finally, I got to have actual, cooked food! No more pre-cooked nonsense or cold bologna sandwiches.
After lunch we jumped into classes, just like normal school.
Now, a few weeks later, I realized that the first day was probably the most boring day compared to the fun I had during the next few weeks. So students in grade 6 going into grade 7, don’t worry! At first it may seem like the world is ending but that will end over time, and just remember, Junior High is a great learning experience, you get a lot more freedom and it is a place where you can be you.
Hey I was that kid with those same feelings, at that same school many years ago. You captured it well. Congratulations on a good piece of writing.
ReplyDeleteWell, you're a good writer, I'll give you that much and to find you here. I'd expected to meet you later in life, my long, lost friend. Lloyd! You might not know and probably won't even read this comment. But I use to be your next door neighbor, Irvin ^_^ But I went into grade 7 aswell. But only in the city, but due to certain circumstances I moved back to Pincher Creek.
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