Going to a new school that you have never been to is one of the hardest things to do. As a child, my parents and I moved around a lot. We lived in a house in Charleston, South Carolina. We only lived there for not even a year, and then my family got evicted. We were homeless for many months. So my mother thought it was best to move here, Lafayette, TN where most of our family lived. My dad thought it wasn’t a good idea though, so he stayed to work and wrap up loose ends.

My mom didn’t have a car to use to drive out here, so she had one of her friends meet up halfway with my aunt in North Carolina. My aunt came out to pick us up and as we met up with her, we had to say goodbye to my momma’s friend. It was so hard to leave South Carolina, I had so many friends that I was going to miss, but my mother said to put all of that behind me. 

As we got settled in Tennessee I had to learn to adjust to the weather, atmosphere, being close to the family and lastly the schools. After three weeks of getting settled, my mom signed me up for Lafayette Elementary School. On the first school day for me, I was scared out of my mind. I walked into school with my momma and they showed me around. As we went down the hall to my teacher’s classroom, Mrs. Blankenship’s room, I got a rush of fear that passed over me. The lady showing us around knocked on the door, and then she opened it. I burst out in tears as my momma let go of my hand. 

I didn’t want to go to this school that I have never been to, but I had to endure it. Everyone stared at me as I sat down. There was a girl who asked me my name and was super nice to me. Her name was Dallas Caldwell. A lot of people asked me questions, and I gave them answers. As the months went by of going to that school, I got to know a lot of people and I became there friends. It was hard at first but I got used to it.

 What you should do about going to a new school: 

• If you are an interactive person, you will be able to click with a lot of people and that is a good thing. You should put yourself out there and do not be afraid to talk to people. If you are scared, don’t be afraid to talk to a teacher about something, they care about you and your health. 
• If people ask you questions, don’t lie to them. Tell them the truth about you and your family. Become friends with your classmates and people out of class. Go to the school’s team games so that you can participate in after school activities and make more friends. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. 
• Be optimistic! If people see you happy, they will want to be happy. Always keep a smile on your face.

It is okay to be a new student. It was hard for me at first but I got used to being in a new school system. I sometimes miss living in South Carolina, but I have friends here that keep me from remembering what it was like to be homeless. It has helped me to have good friends to keep me  going.