A Day of My First

Written by: Najito, Chellsy Jhoy Calderon

The tension just builds the whole week before,

I felt my heart pound, can’t take it anymore. 

I just need to conquer this one simple day,

And once it is over, I can be on my own way.

It is soon, for my SHS term, the day of the first,

And in every nightmare, it’s progressively worse.

I am scared I’d be late or get lost while on route,

My heart full of dread and my brain full of doubt.

On the eve of that day, I toss and I turn,

My thoughts are all jumbled and hard to discern.

Will I make it to class? Will I even survive?

Will I make some new friends and hopefully thrive?

I get up so early with a frog in my throat,

But also excitement; can I even emote?

I put on a nice outfit and gathered my favorite lunch,

“Today won’t be awful,” said my good hunch. 

I get to my class calmly and on time, 

But my brain is still scared and change on a dime.

Alas! Saw an old friend or a familiar face, 

I’d encountered this person, We’re in the same race.

I engaged in small talk, and I felt my fears ebb,

I’m making connections, I’m part of a web.

My teacher came in, greeted us all with a smile,

I regard my progression, I’ve moved forward a mile.

The class and teachers seem exciting,

I quickly remembered that school is delighting.

I navigated school with grace and ease,

A day that is fantastic, this is everything I please.

Learning is great, and oh-so-rewarding,

It did not have to be stressful or boring. 

I met friends and find success in some way,

I just have to make sure my fear is at bay.

I tried to remember, there’s no sense in fretting,

Fearing, not sleeping, and generally sweating,

I surely succeed, there is no other way,

So for the go, I conquered my SHS year’s first day!

Photo from: Najito, Chellsy Jhoy Calderon