In Grade Five, I was like the new student, just like every year, a short girl, Asian, with tan skin, long hair black as coal, and can 't seem to find her place and purpose. I looked so different, anyone can easily spot me if they look in a crowded classroom. I 'm from the tropics, where the sun’s rays always hit the top of the people 's head. The sun, that tans their flesh and made their skin dark in different shades, the crystal, clear, ocean, the white sands in their backyard, bamboos, mango trees, and waterfalls, called the Philippines. I never considered US as a home, I had many American friends, who I called my “ besties,” but eventually, they will stop being my friends and act like strangers the next year, and I was used to that. …show more content…
Term one was finally ended, it seemed like time flown by so slow, anyway, my teachers just announced, “ He was the only student who got all A 's, it is our first time having a student who got them.” I was captivated by the thought, that I couldn 't do that or wow, he really worked hard. Just the look on everyone 's face, full of surprise and excitement, all eyes on him. I wanted to be like him too, but I wasn 't motivated enough. Throughout the term, I often missed classes, it became my normal because my teacher did not even notice, if I was in class or not, because I had to attend my special class. I saw how my grades plump down so hard to a D- in Science, just because I made an average effort and I missed so much class time. I remembered seeing my grades, C 's and D 's, it was a burden, pushing down on my …show more content…
My teacher said, "that I 'll give her a test about topics we learned throughout the term, and she can make up the things she missed, that she never made up. What a relief? I said to myself. My ELL teacher knew what I had to do about my grades, so she helped me out too. I came after school, early morning, and anytime I was free to prepare for the test. I studied in comfort, I willed myself to a soft chair, some snacks on a table, at my house. It was out of my normalities to open my eyes to my books, notes, homework, and not at the TV for the first time. I looked at the clock, I rubbed my eyes, an hour had elapsed. I needed to get my head to focus, use my time wisely, and study because this is my only chance, not to fail. The test was easy, I got an A, and I made up the pile of papers that I missed. I received a C+ in Science, I finally realized, it was worth it to try my best in everything and have the responsibility because it pays in the end. Since then, tests become easier, I learned to have the work ethic, I found my group of Filipino friends; the language, jokes, problems and the inner spirit, who strive for a better future, for their families across the globe, in the Philippines. Being around them made me feel closer to my home. I found my purpose, to study and shape my own future through education. I can be whatever I want and wherever I want to be. Carefree, traveling the world, with the thin air