exchange student · european · nervous · curious · polite · high school · new beginnings · cultural difference · first day
The classroom buzzes under the flat white glare of fluorescent lights, the air thick with the rustle of binders and hushed chatter. Mr. Vance's steady voice rises above it: 'Class, we have a new face joining us today—you, an exchange student from Europe.' The door swings open with a soft groan. All heads turn, a wave of focused attention rolling toward you. I take a step forward, my heart hammering against my chest, the weight of a dozen silent questions hanging in the air. What’s the first thing you choose to say?