This article was sent to us by Natalie S., an eighth grader stationed in Texas. Do you have a story to share with your fellow military teens? Visit our writing page to find out how you can submit to Bloom!
It’s a new year and a new school
I try to avoid all the kids who think they’re “cool”
There’s a girl walking up to me,
Should I turn the other way or keep going?
Nevermind, maybe she’ll leave me be
Nope, she’s stopping right in front of me
She just asked, “What’s your name?”
“I’m Natalie,” I say
She told me her name but out of nowhere, I felt my heart drop
She just asked,
“Where are you from?”
I’m hesitant... where am I from?
Do I say that I’m from the hot and sandy beaches of Florida?
The cool, crisp air of Arkansas?
The crocodile and alligator-infested marshes and bayous of Louisiana?
The hot and humid environment of Texas?
Where do I say I’m from?
I’m taking too long,
She looks confused.
“Just choose a place,” I think to myself.
Arkansas. No.
Florida. No.
Louisiana. No.
I can’t say Texas because that’s where I am now.
“I’m from all over,” I finally bring myself to say
“Oh, really?” She said
The bell just rang
She said, “See you later,” and is now walking off
“Saved by the bell,” I think to myself
But now all I can hear is “THE QUESTION!”
The question not even I can answer,
“Where are you from?”
Great.
We’re starting class with “get to know you” questions
Here we go. Again.
My parents are no longer in service as my dad was medically discharged from the Army in 2008 and my mom got out of the Air Force in 2011. Despite that, my family can’t seem to get out of the “routine.” Every couple of years, we move.
When it comes to the first day of school, it’s always a nightmare for me, mainly because of that one question. The question all of my new teammates also ask. “Where are you from?” Over the years, I’ve learned I don’t have to just say one place I’m from. Ever since I realized it’s okay to say I’m from multiple places, those first days at new schools haven’t been as hard.
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