A Fresh Start

When I stepped onto the Academy of Saint Joseph campus, I felt a wave of nervous tension wash
over me. Everything felt nostalgic because I haven't been to school in a long time since the pandemic
occurred.

On the other hand, the first day of school ought to be a gateway to fresh opportunities. I was a
little anxious the first day. I was apprehensive as I walked into my classroom and took my seat since I
had no idea who some of my new students were. Everywhere I turned, there were fresh faces to be
seen, and you could see that some of them had tense or confident smiles, but the majority of them
were thrilled with excitement.

Although I was full of anxiousness, my inquisitive self could not stop thinking about asking my
new classmates who they were. By just taking one glance of the classroom, it was almost time for
the beginning of the introductions

Just after all the seats were filled in the classroom, it was time for the introductions so we could
all get to know each other. At that moment, anxiety overcame me when I was supposed to be the
first one to do so. All eyes were on me when I stood up, and before I began, I calmed myself down
first and then started introducing myself with a bit of confidence in my voice. Once I was done, I
observed my classmates as they introduced themselves too.

On the same day, our teacher started going over the student handbook, and that's when things
started to feel the most relaxed. Some parts while our teacher was explaining the student handbook,
we were speechless on how much rules and regulations were on the student handbook. I got along
very well with my classmates as we had a tour of the entire school and observed how each space
was specifically constructed for its purposes.

After spending hours talking and moving around the campus, it was time to go home. I bid them
farewell as we gathered back to our designated classrooms. Looking back at them, I saw most of
them were very eager to go home. It's not often that I feel instantly at home in a place I've never
visited, but seeing and exploring the school gave me a strong sense of belonging. Before ever setting
foot inside a classroom, I felt like I was welcomed here at the Academy of Saint Joseph like a
member of the family. The fact that I could not put a stop on thinking about that moment in my life
makes it more memorable in my mind.

Going home with a big smile on my face is a rare sight to see, even my mother questioned me on
why I was so happy after going home from school. I was unable to contain myself from telling my
mother my thoughts about the school because the atmosphere of the school really differs from my
Elementary school, since kid me would always tell my mother that I would not want to go to school
so that I can just spend my day at home sleeping peacefully. The feeling of excitement on my first
day of school was never something I thought would happen, and although I did feel nervous at the
beginning, in the end, I was full of happiness.

Until now, I still can't forget my first day in ASJ and wondering as always if I could have
experienced a more joyous start than that. Though I felt very sad when I found out that my two best
friends Earl and Vhana were not on the same set as I was, They were set A while I was separated to
set B. But during that time I said to myself, if they handled their first day without me which means I
can muster all my strength and enjoy my first day without them. Remembering all my negative
thoughts that day made me laugh since all were me thinking I would embarrass myself on the first
day.

When I reflect on it and tell others about my experience, I feel proud. I believe that my first day at
school helped me gain confidence, which ultimately affected the rest of my time there.
Consequently, I will remember it forever.