The First Day of School

The first day of school is always a nerve-racking experience. There is the curiosity of the different teachers, the stress of all the new classes, and most importantly, the fear of making new friends. It was the beginning of seventh grade; I sat uncomfortably in the pine-scented desk of my new science class, my first period on my schedule. The teacher was clearly excited about the new year as she stood in the front of the class with a big grin on her face, her dimples sparkling up the room, appearing friendly in an effort to make a good first impression. I felt small and alone as the other students around me chatted with each other lightheartedly. The class was filled up, yet an empty seat had remained unoccupied next to mine. As Ms. Pringle began to take attendance for the first time, the door slowly opened as the last student entered the room late. She was a beautiful African-American girl, with many braids and little pearl-colored beads in her hair, which made a tiny clinking sound when she moved her head from side to side. Her glasses were perched perfectly on her nose and she appeared just as shy as I was, as she stood with her hands in the pockets of her sweater, (a nervous habit that I shared as well). The teacher came over to her, greeting her with a big, enthusiastic smile and the new assignment sheet. The girl glanced around the packed room, desperately in search for a place to sit. She noticed the vacant seat next to my own, and she quietly made her way over to my side of the room. I smiled at her and she smiled back. "Hi, my name is Kelsey," I said as I introduced myself. I surprised myself with this outgoing act I had just performed, which was very unlike my typically reserved self. "Hi, my name is Dereishia," she quietly responded, as her mouth formed into a smile. We both shared an overwhelming sense of relief as we acknowledged that we weren't alone anymore. I realized right then that I had just met my best friend.