"Change" by Ashley G

     It was the beginning of seventh grade at a new school I was attending. I left behind all
of my friends who I had known since preschool because we moved to Fontana. At the time it felt
like everything was so different since I was in a new environment. Shortly after the move, school
began and I remember feeling like a bundle of nerves, not ready for any change. The first day, I
woke up extremely early just thinking about how this school would compare to the previous one
I went to. Finally, after about an hour of procrastination, my mom told me it was time to leave
and I hurried to the car. I was fortunate enough to have my cousin also go to Summit
Intermediate, but she was in eighth grade so we only really saw one another before and after
school. When I arrived I remember the bell had rung and someone told me I was late which did
not help out my nervousness. I began to rush trying to find my first class only to realize I had no
idea where I was supposed to go. After about a couple of minutes I found someone to ask where
I needed to be and they happily pointed me in the right direction. Upon entering the class I
immediately noticed the teacher made name cards for every student, so all I had to do was look
around until I found my name. I felt relief that most of the students were either searching for
their seats or talking so my being late wasn't an interruption. Once everyone was seated the usual
first day of school, teacher introductions began and all I remember was looking around in a sea
of unfamiliar faces. As the day droned on, I still did not have a single conversation with anyone
and it didn't help that I was a shy person. When it was time for lunch I remember walking very
slowly because I failed to meet someone who I could hang out with. This was the first time in my
whole life that I felt truly alone. After lunch I continued on with my classes until it was finally
time to go home and I felt happy again, knowing I would be home where I was more comfortable
with things. My mom picked me up and the first thing she asked me was, “how do you like your
new school?” and I gave a vague answer, not wanting to go into details. The days went by and
when Thursday came, around lunchtime this random girl came up to me and asked me, “Would
you like to sit with me and my friends?” Although I didn’t know her, I followed her to the tables
and we quickly became friends. School was no longer something I dreaded, but instead was
something to look forward to. In an instant my situation changed and I realized that all it takes is
one act of kindness from someone to change your attitude. Change is inevitable, but from my
friend I learned that it does not always have to have a negative impact on your life.