As I walk through the entrance of Prosper High School every morning, I think about what new memories I’ll make.
My family and I first moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles, California, and now, Prosper. I was born and raised in California — it was my home, but now Texas is supposed to be, and I had to make this place a home somehow.
Leaving behind my friends, who I’ve known for 11 years, was incredibly hard, but it was also the start of a new chapter in my life. A fresh start, where I could make the most of things.
The first day of the new semester was stressful. Prosper High School felt like a maze, and I couldn’t find my way to any of my classes. The counselor held me for what seemed like forever, helping me choose my classes. All I could think about was how everyone else would react when I walked into my first–period class 40 minutes late.
By the end of the day, none of it really mattered. I walked into my first class and was met with warm smiles and even warmer personalities. My classmates made me feel included, calm and surprisingly at home.
The next week, I went on and off, caught in a cycle of stress, I worried about what others would think of me, how I’d find my way around, where I would sit in classes and my schedule. Over and over again, my stress turned out to be unnecessary. My classmates were patient, helping me understand the basics of the school, and the teachers made time for me — even with the heavy load of students they had. Prosper High School truly seemed like something special.
Of course, there were still moments of frustration. Sometimes I still couldn’t find my classes, even though I would go to them every day. I’d get stuck behind slow walkers in the hallway, making me late. I’d forget how the bells worked, and worst of all, I’d get caught in morning traffic. I’d start my day with plenty of time, only to end up with just minutes to spare, starting the cycle of stress all over again.
Looking back, just a few weeks later, I realize it really doesn’t matter. Everyone is in their own head space, worried about their own things. Eventually, everyone will come to this understanding: All that stress over the little things? It’s not worth it. The small hiccups don’t define the bigger picture. What truly matters is the kindness of those around me, the new experiences I’m gaining and how much I’ve grown since stepping into this new chapter of my life.