The end of eighth grade was also the time when I experienced two major changes in my life. March 2020 was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic that upended everyone's lives. I was stuck at home, couldn't see my friends, and like many others, I was scared. This abrupt change meant that I had limited contact with most of my friends, and I began to feel extremely alone. Months into the pandemic, my family also made the decision to start looking for a new house. I despised that idea. I didn’t like that I was being forced to start over in an unfamiliar place. I had to leave my childhood friends and all the memories I made with them. Although the move wasn’t drastic-- it was only a half hour from my previous home-- it was still to a different town, completely distinct community, and new school.

After moving into our new home, the change was already visible, not only with the change of scenery, but also in the different community. I moved from a lake community, where many people accustomed to social gatherings and events lived, to a quiet and secluded area. In this new community, people tended to be friendlier, and our neighbors seemed to get along.  However, the houses were separated and surrounded by woods. The people were all new, and it was scary to have to restart building relationships. I was still learning virtually throughout the year, so school wasn’t as daunting just yet. The classes were still awkward, since most of the time, our cameras were off, and we opted to avoid speaking to each other as much as we could.

The next year, however, was when the most anxiety hit. This was the year when I had to attend school in person and meet all of the peers who I had only seen via computer screen. My first day was as expected. I sat alone at lunch and didn’t talk unless called upon by a teacher.  I was shy at first, and I initially kept to myself and didn’t try to talk to my peers. But within a week, I met three students who would later become my close friends. We had the same gym class, and I sparked a conversation with them because they seemed to be just as nervous as I was. They sat with me at lunch, and we talked in all of the classes we shared.  As I became more comfortable at school and made more friends, I spoke up more. I continued developing as a person and shared a new side of myself with those around me. I was more outgoing, contributed more in class discussions, sparked conversations with new people, and overall, became more confident. As a result, I now try to make others feel like they are included and belong. I don't want anyone to experience what I was forced to while transitioning to this new community.

This story is the reason I believe change is the root of all growth and development. Change is necessary for everyone. But, it can be terrifying.  As a result, many people avoid taking risks and keep to themselves. However, I’ve come to realize that life changes can provide rich opportunities to create a more fulfilling existence, including through valuable relationships.

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