Taking risks...

Today was my third day of school, and I finally got settled in. The first thing I did today was go with Julie to the secretary and get my own locker. I was sharing with Julie and her friend before, but considering none of the girls carry purses, it was stuffed! I now share with another exchange student from New Brunswick, but she doesnt really talk.... at least I have my own locker!

My first class of the day today was french, which was actually really good! We read and responded to a newspaper article, and I actually understood! The next class of the day was art. Instead of having class though, the entire school went outside for a school photo. The name of my school was spray painted in huge letters in the parking lot, and all the students of the school stood in the shape of the letters and an arial photo was taken. It was cold outside, and it took a really long time, but I hope the photo turns out well. That would make a great souvenir!

If you know me well, you will never believe what i did today at lunch. I played volleyball. Thats right. I have not played a team sport since grade 6 without having a panic attack, and I played volleyball! Even more surprisingly, I actually enjoyed myself! I went with Julie, and it was very non-competitive scrimmaging. Today it was mostly boys from the lower grades there, which was good because I could hit the ball without feeling totally intimidated! Julie says there is typically more girls, which could be a good way to make friends! It's so weird, because at home, you could not pay me to join the volleyball club, i would be way to scared. Here though, i have so much less to lose and so much more to gain by taking a risk!

After lunch today, i had guitar class, which i am in for good. And guess what? I can now play "jingle bells" and "oh susanna" on the guitar! When the class went to rehearsal rooms to practice, the teacher gave me a one-on-one lesson. I understood completely how to play the guitar, but the teacher spoke so fast and with such a heavy accent, i did not understand a single word. It was so frusterating, i wanted to cry. I thought by now I be able to understand everyone, and it was very discouraging not to be able to communicate with him. I decided though, that instead of crying, i needed to take a risk. So, after class I told Julie I was going to the office to change my timetable, and I would see her later! This was the first time I went anywhere by myself in the school, and typically, when i needed help Julie would ask for me. I was very proud of the conversation I had with the secretary, and I then went to my new math teacher and introduced myself and explained my situation all by myself! Because things are so much harder here, I take so much more pride in the small victories, like walking to the office alone. Celebrating the small victories will keep me going for the rest of my time here!

With my new-found confidence, I made small conversation with people around me in math, and I was very happy that I understood most of the lesson! Tonight, I was by myself in the house, and It was so nice to have some time alone. With people around all the time, I need to be "on" all the time. I need to be trying to speak and think in french, follow the conversation, and come across as polite and kind! It is exhausting, but today was the first day my body started to fall into pattern. I have been constantly tired, hungry, thirsty and sick for the past 4 days, just because there is so much change, and it is so nerve-wracking.

Because it is so hard to follow conversations, I spend an increased amount of time observing people. Here is my continued list of in/out.....

In

*Eiffel Towers (on posters, necklaces, keychain, t-shirts; they are everywhere)

*Chalkboards! ( there are no whiteboards in this school!)

*highlighters (it is so nice to be in a class where every single person appreciates the importance of color-coding your notes as much as I do)

*Belt Buckles (all different sorts and sizes of belt buckles can be seen poking out of the jeans of almost everyone)

*Lunchkits! (they're not just for nerds anymore....)

Out

*Computers in the classroom (none of the teachers have personal computers)

*Cell phones (because so few people have phones, it is so easy to get away with texting)

*Emu/Ugg boots ( i have seen maybe 4 people wearing them)

*Leaving class for the washroom (not a single person had done it once...)

***Another little fun-fact for you... upon entering your house, you say "yo." I don't know why, and I dont know where that comes from, but it is the appropriate way to greet your family upon arriving home.

My first week is almost over, and everyday is getting easier. Celebrating the small successes keeps me motivated and encouraged. I am doing my absolute best to milk this opportunity for everything it is worth, and I know that even if I learn no french, or make no friends, this is an opportunity to grow as a person. After 4 days, I have learned so much about myself and other people, and I can feel myself maturing by the second. I know my time here will fly by, and I want to savor every moment while I can.

Everyday is what you make it,

Carly