Filled with enthusiasm, I prepared my ironed, dark blue school uniform the night before my first day of kindergarten. As a five-year-old girl living in El Salvador, I was exhilarated to meet new people and the friends I could make. I slept peacefully, knowing the following morning would be a memorable first day of school. As the morning of my first day began, I showered, combed my hair, ate breakfast, and put extra perfume on. The more the time ticked closer to eight in the morning, the more electrified I felt. My mother and I were heading to school; agitation was all I felt in my body. My heart sank after I heard the words, “Vamos a ir a entregar tu uniforme, ya no vas a venir a esta escuela,” in other words, I was turning in my uniform and not attending that school any longer. I was confused about why my first day of school became my last.

The confusion became apparent when I was told I was leaving my home country. My little sister and I would be accompanied by our uncle on our flight to the United States in a matter of days. Although I was born in America, I was clueless about this country. Does it have active volcanoes and beaches with the prettiest sunsets, too? I left all my belongings, toys, and memories behind. I had to begin a modern childhood in a different country. During our flight, my little sister, who was three years old at the time, kept crying. I had to reassure her that we would see our parents again soon. As the oldest child, I had to comfort myself; my anxiety would only expand as she wept during the entire plane ride.

After a few days, I was grateful to see my parents again. They enrolled me in school, and I was not as pleased as I was this time. I arrived in the United States halfway through the new school year, not knowing the language, which caused my imagination to expand and create English words. This eventually confused the children in my class. When the school year ended, the principal had an issue regarding my knowledge and how I didn’t speak English “well enough.” This, unfortunately, caused me to repeat my grade level. My mother became furious but she lamentably could not do anything about it. I did not understand the situation at first, but when I returned to school, I realized that the friends I made were moving on to first grade while I began kindergarten again. Due to these circumstances, I became incredibly shy and insecure about the language I could not speak.

Now, in the present time, I have realized that this life-changing experience had a rough start but, over time, benefited my education in so many ways. I met unique friends with whom I still have a strong connection today. As a student, I have received many opportunities to succeed in my academics, such as becoming a proud Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). I learned how to make better decisions with the people I associate with and where I wanted to continue my education. Making these choices impacted me greatly as I constantly set goals for myself, surrounded myself with supportive friends, and built relationships with caring teachers.

My immense pride at eighteen is undeniable, despite the anguish that the little girl inside me still carries occasionally because she didn’t experience an entire, memorable childhood. The woman I am today has profoundly inspired me to reach for my dreams regardless of the fears or obstacles that will approach me despite my five-year-old self's challenges. The conquest of my difficult hardships has motivated me to strive for the life I have always desired. As I proudly end this phase of my academic journey, I am thrilled to take the first step into my life and strive for the objectives I dream of achieving.

© Karen . All rights reserved. If you are interested in quoting this story, contact the national team and we can put you in touch with the author’s teacher.