And they sure did...
Like laser beams with pinpoint accuracy, I was besieged by unfamiliar glares which seemed to burn holes deep into my uniquely coloured skin. Everywhere I looked there were eyes, eyes that judged me, assessed me, pleading for me to make a mistake. The sight of the entire room was locked onto me as if I were some kind of monster, as if I were a creature from outer space.
I couldn't stand it. Being timid and apprehensive, I disliked being the centre of attention, especially in such a daunting and awkward situation. I remembered my Mother packing lunch earlier that same morning...
"Make sure you eat up all your lunch and don't be fearful of the funny looks you might get when you enter the classroom, darling"
I was expecting an eyeball or two, but never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate such a harsh, disapproving "welcome" from my peers.
I looked up at the old, wooden clock hanging from the lifeless, monotone wall. It was 9:56am. I gazed through one of the small, square classroom windows and realised I had only been seated for six dreadful minutes and the directed stares had not ceased. After what felt like an eternity, the 10:00am bell finally rang. A tall and strong, yet smart looking figure entered through a rusty metal door, the only entrance to the large hall-like classroom, designed to seat students of all year levels. The entire school stood except for me. The glare I was receiving earlier returned as I fumbled with my Year 7 Text books whilst abruptly trying to stand.
Like laser beams with pinpoint accuracy, I was besieged by unfamiliar glares which seemed to burn holes deep into my uniquely coloured skin. Everywhere I looked there were eyes, eyes that judged me, assessed me, pleading for me to make a mistake. The sight of the entire room was locked onto me as if I were some kind of monster, as if I were a creature from outer space.
I couldn't stand it. Being timid and apprehensive, I disliked being the centre of attention, especially in such a daunting and awkward situation. I remembered my Mother packing lunch earlier that same morning...
"Make sure you eat up all your lunch and don't be fearful of the funny looks you might get when you enter the classroom, darling"
I was expecting an eyeball or two, but never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate such a harsh, disapproving "welcome" from my peers.
I looked up at the old, wooden clock hanging from the lifeless, monotone wall. It was 9:56am. I gazed through one of the small, square classroom windows and realised I had only been seated for six dreadful minutes and the directed stares had not ceased. After what felt like an eternity, the 10:00am bell finally rang. A tall and strong, yet smart looking figure entered through a rusty metal door, the only entrance to the large hall-like classroom, designed to seat students of all year levels. The entire school stood except for me. The glare I was receiving earlier returned as I fumbled with my Year 7 Text books whilst abruptly trying to stand.
