At the age of eleven, my family and I travelled back to my birthplace for my uncle's wedding. The whole of the country seemed to have gathered for the occasion and being the second-last person on my mother's side of the family getting married, we definitely had to go.
I was thrilled because I hadn't visited since I left when I was four years old. The place ought to have changed a lot in six years. And it had. My cousins were all grown up, my then-newly-wed aunts and uncles were beginning to learn the mass difficulty of marriage, and my old home had been occupied by a new family. But it was still home, my first home.
The four months from July to the end of September were spent in bliss. I had the time of my life: laughing, dancing, singing, spending time with my cousins and attempting to refrain from correcting people's English. I never believed myself to be above anyone there who didn't know English, but it was nice to be fluent in two languages and show off a bit.
Unfortunately, come October, my siblings and I's school asked for our return or face expulsion. My parents obviously freaked out when the notice came and we hurried back to Canada. I hadn't known then that my life would change drastically.
The year before, on our report cards, we had been assigned the name of our new class and teacher for the upcoming term. All my friends and I were lucky enough to be placed in the same class. We were overjoyed! However, due to my absence for an extended period of time, the class lists had been switched around and I was then put in another class with people I hardly knew.
It was only the fifth grade, but it was damn terrifying, especially since I hadn't known anyone in my new class.
However, despite my lack of familiarity, every person I met was incredible in their own sense. From each of them, I learned so many things; things that carry through with me even now. I remember meeting two very kind girls who were the first to speak to me named Danielle and Robin. They were already friends and were sweet enough to ask me to sit with them during the class's daily reading circle where our teacher would read one chapter of a book to us while we listened intently. Danielle and Robin then went on to ask me to lunch and spend recess with them, as well. I was so grateful. Not only had they made my transition from knowing no-one to knowing a few people easy, they also proved to me how kindness can lead wonderful new friendships.
We were friends for a while, but even though, there were a few times where I was the last to leave the classroom for lunch period in fright that no one would want to spend time with someone like myself. I was horribly awkward and lacking in social skills. My teacher noticed this and jumped at the opportunity to show me something that has since changed my life...books.
Years before in school, books were merely something I was forced to read as a part of the English curriculum. Yet, after the brilliant introduction from my fifth grade teacher, I was enthralled with the beauty of literature. Thus, starting my future fiction-writing career.
It began with the Horrible Harry series by Suzy Kline, Cam Jansen by David Adler, and Sideway Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar. These books were the foundation upon which my fascination and interest in the fiction world was built. I would read from them the Horrible Harry and Cam Jansen books daily, and look forward to hearing an installment of Sideway Stories from Wayside School as an audio-book with my whole class. These books were funny and sparked joy within me with every word.
I am so incredibly thankful to my fifth grade teacher for helping me find these amazing books and showing me how much more there was to life than my boring routine. These books allowed me escape from my large family, created entertainment other than television on Friday nights, and sought me through difficult times.
These days, I read more advanced novels (obviously), however, I will never forget my roots; the place where my love for English literature first sprouted. Because of my wonderful teacher and her kindness, I was able to find something in myself I never would have found on my own. I owe so much to her.
And thank God, I came back to Canada late, or else I never would have ended up in her lovely class.
Fate really does know what it's doing.
