To Be A Good Pal ...

 I nervously held the water bottle in my hand and said goodbye to my parents. It was my first day in the academy. I walked to my classroom and sat on one of the unoccupied seats. 

A girl entered the class and came. 'Umm, what's your name?' I asked her mustering up some courage. 'I am Monika, the monitor of this class.... hey, just so you know, if you talk or misbehave in class, I will have to give your name to the teacher!' Monika said and walked away. The tiny bit of confidence which I had gathered inside me, vanished on hearing her words. Four classes went by in a haze after which I tagged along with the girls towards the assembly hall during recess.

I sat quietly, dreaming of my old friends and old school where I belonged. This place was alien. Suddenly, a girl's voice was interrupted my reverie. 'Hey, you look lost. Don't worry, next year you will be sitting here with us, having fun and telling this to another new girl!'  She introduced herself as Natasha. 

Natasha was godsend; she briefed me about the school, the other girls and all the teachers. She talked to me for a while and then introduced me to her best friends - Priyanka and Aisha. Days went by and I slowly made several new friends.

Soon I was comfortable and having a great time. A year later, I found myself shoving others out of my way to reach the another classroom. As I sat down, the memories of my first day flashed across my mind.

After a while, next to me, I heard someone murmur, 'I am so lost!' I turned around to see a new face staring at me with wide fearful eyes. 'Hey! what's your name?' I asked . Anaisha. I hope its ok if I sit here?' she asked.

Oh, its totally cool... and don't worry , you might be feeling lost now but I am sure next year you'll be sitting here with us telling this to another girl. Anaisha your name means unique right? I said trying to keep her comfortable.

Yeah, it does and thanks ..... I already feel better. Anaisha said lets see how you feel when meet the others in break time. 

This scenario repeated itself year after year. Every new girl came in feeling lost and welcomed them in comforting words. It is easier to make a new girl feel comfortable than to be mean to her.

Teens years are the best years of one's life and friends make it even better. Today as I put my arm around Natasha my best friend and walk through the school corridors, I feel grateful for having a pal like her who taught me to be good friend to others.