Ba-dump. That was the sound of my uneasy heart as we drove out of Burtonsville one last time. As I looked out the window, I saw my childhood become a blurry scene that passed by me at the speed of sound. At the age of 8, I wasn’t ready to leave my home. Uneasiness flooded my mind. Little did I know my new home would change me in a way I would never expect.
A sign saying Welcome to Ellicott City caught my attention as we entered our new home. The environment was completely different. In this unfamiliar place I had no friends. That really got to me. Since I spent almost 5 years in Burtonsville, moving was a very difficult transition for me as most of my childhood was there. My new town didn’t feel like home.
The long-awaited day that I feared approached: My first day of school. I anxiously watched as unfamiliar kids went to talk to their friends. I wanted to join in but my introvert personality prevented me from talking to anyone. The class became silent as my teacher introduced me and I was met with unfamiliar gazes. I wasn’t excited about school but I looked forward to making new friends. As the school year went on, I started to make more and more friends and gradually fit in. Before I knew it, I started to love and even accept my new home. The friends I had just recently made became family to me. I was lucky to find people who were willing to get to know me. It took me a while to adapt to my new environment, but when I finally did, I loved it.
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Years later, as a senior in high school, I was outside Northfield Elementary School, the place where it all started. It was ironic because many years ago, I stood at the same spot and felt nothing but anxiety. But now all I feel is nostalgia of warm memories. The school that had terrified me had become less scary. I realized that the school hadn’t got less scary but that I had grown as a person. I smiled to myself and realized that moving to a new town really changed me for the better. Though I usually think negatively of new situations, I’ve since then changed my opinion since moving.
It shaped me into who I am. As a little kid, I found myself in a new, unfamiliar environment where I was forced to adapt. Now I’m prepared for almost any situation. Regardless of where ever my life leads, I’ll accept the changes it brings. Again, I’ll be faced with yet another unfamiliar environment, college where I plan to take full advantage of change and take all the opportunities I can.
