I walked around unsteadily all day like a
lost cub, far away from its pack. Surrounded by unfamiliar territory, I
searched for any signs of similarities with my previous home. I roamed around
from place to place and moved along with the day, wanting to just get away and
go back home. This was my first day at the new school in Shaker Heights, Ohio.
A few months before all of this I
was pleased with my calm life in a local suburb of St. Louis. I settled there at the age of four with my
family after moving from the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and things were going well so far. Because
I lived there for seven years, the longest time that I ever spent living in one
place, I had made really good friends and was not looking forward to any
significant changes. By the time I finished my fifth year of elementary school
I knew that this was nearly impossible. My family was already packing up,
cleaning out the house, and reserving a U-Haul.
The day that I discovered my
parents’ future plans was one that seemed like an average day for a ten-year
old. I got up, had my breakfast, and then proceeded to walk the dog.
Later on that day I invited Kai and Joe over to my house to play football in
the front yard along with my older brother. After my friends left I went into
the backyard to keep my dog company. My mom was taking care of the garden and
watering the plants. After finishing her obligation, she tried to casually
approach me and then said in Bulgarian, “Slav we are moving in June,” while giving
me a somewhat curious look and awaiting my reaction.
At first,
my reaction was somewhat neutral. I didn’t know how to feel. I didn’t
immediately realize the effects that this major change would have on me. I
didn’t know how it would feel to live in a completely different town and new
house. I didn’t instantly acknowledge the effect that leaving my friends would
have on me, and the difficulty of creating new relationships from scratch. I
didn’t anticipate the constant emotional frustration of being forced to leave
my closest friends. I didn’t know how it would feel to be “the new kid” in
school.
After some
time, these facts began to sink in. I would no longer wake up and walk into the
same bathroom, walk down the same stairs, or eat in the same kitchen. I would
no longer take the same walking route to school along with my friends. I would
no longer have the same lasting neighborhood friends to socialize with. I would
no longer take the same classes in school, talk to the same teachers, or even
take notes the same way. However, I did not realize some of the other, not as
despondent, impacts that changing environments would have until being “new” for
a few months.
While
moving I seemed to only think about leaving my friends behind and didn’t look
forward to searching for new ones. As time passed on, these unwanted emotions
alleviated and I started to realize some of the good effects that moving has
had. I now understand that this experience has changed me in positive ways as
well. Soon I would have friends in different places in the world that I can
visit. I would have many places where I could go and feel like home. Most
importantly, I would learn that one can adapt to every town and its people and that
friends can be made everywhere. Every place has its conveniences and its
problems. Every town has its generous and heartless citizens.
I live now
more secure and bold, like a lion with increased mass and knowledge, not with
one, but many packs. I can roam territory that is unfamiliar without feeling lost
and alone. Instead, I search for the best way to take advantage of my position
in foreign territory. I can visit recognizable lands and feel at home. This is
my, not so new, way of life.
My Response
I chose this subject because it played a major role in the development of my life (personality,characteristics, etc...)I am pleased with the outcome of this significant moment even though it would be impossible to predict exactly how my life would have turned out if it never took place.
The writing process of my essay was more easy than it was hard, mostly because I was given the choice of what to write about. I think that I accomplished what I set out to do pretty well, even though the topic is not too interesting.
I feel like this piece is complete and have added all information that is relevant to it.
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