The day was December 2nd, first day in a new school for me; precisely my 2nd move that year. I was dressed like one of those girly girls; pink shirt covered with a red blazer and my hair tied in a long ponytail. It was the start of term two, grade seven, and despite the fear I felt entering the school, I was proud of the courage I had built up to meet new people all over again.
I still remember that day; it’s fresh in my head. Everyone in the class thought I was a student teacher for a guy in our class; that’s why I guess you can pretty much estimate my embarrassment. Even though I didn’t know I would fit in, I felt that I could; for I had already started looking around and noticing some people I could start a conversation with. To be honest, I guess I pretty much built up my social skills moving to this school where childhood groups already existed. The fact of being part of a group with popular kids was pretty much
impossible, but I really wasn’t all fond of being known, just wanted a few good friends to talk to.
It was hard fitting in this school; I am not going to lie. In a way it was different, maybe I was different; however it was then I started realizing how some people judge others based on their differences. I was different because I was a person who was being judged, and truly at that time I couldn’t possibly imagine standing up and being proud of those differences; for it would just add to the peoples’ biased judgements. Thankfully though, by Christmas time I had found a group of great friends; so I could say that things were running pretty smoothly, very smoothly.
Oh yeah, my school had a pretty crazy cycle system because in my school, the kids and teachers you were with in grade six, stuck with you until grade eight. My class was one of those average classes with about 30-something kids, some very beautiful, some nerdy, some just odd and some which brought change to my life. I was really lucky to have some of my close friends in my class; however some of the “rivalry” bodies were also present in there. My friends and I would always make fun of this one guy whose speech problems and absurd behaviour was rather amusing. His name was Akshay, and to be honest when I met him I thought he was some hockey-crazed brown kid with a girly voice and a chipmunk accent. Now don’t get me wrong, people liked Akshay for his exceptional joke telling skills and for being the clown during French class. I personally had nothing against him; however the way he talked would always get to me. I still remember the first time I heard him read a passage in spelling class, which led me to asking my friend if he had dyslexia. It was around the end of grade seven where Akshay and I started talking to one another. I didn’t like him alot to be exact; for I thought he was like the other kids who didn’t like me. Despite all that, we added each other on msn anyway and started talking; however I must add that the conversations we had were rather awkward.
It was in the middle of grade eight where my perspective of Akshay changed. It was time to apply for good high schools in the area, and I was applying to some high schools with regional programs. I was surprised when Akshay told me he was applying to a school I desperately wanted to be in as well; however I didn’t much mind the fact of him applying because it would be great to have him in the new school as well. The real reason that I wanted Akshay to come with me to this school was because despite my differences and the judgements others made about me, Akshay was with me based on how HE viewed me. In this world, it is truly hard to find such people who put aside the perspectives of other people and make their own judgements; therefore I am proud to say that Akshay is one of those few.
Grade eight passed rather swiftly after the entire application process. Summer was approaching and my friends and I had started getting busy with what we were going to wear to our “Grade eight grad.” Just like any other school you are allowed to “graduate” from, the sense of knowing that you are more mature than you were before and that you have the answers to questions you asked when you were younger feels great. Of course you have added to those few questions, have a lot more on your plate, but in reality it’s that feeling of being ready to face the world. When I finished middle school that year, I had already started developing my passion to face the world.
Summer oh-eight was hilarious; truthfully the most memorable summers of my entire life. See after “graduating,” my parents had planned a vacation for the family with a couple of family friends. After that vacation it was pretty much me nerding off and trying to spend time with some of my friends before high school hit hard. Every night was practically, watch some TV, read a magazine, and talk to Akshay. Our conversations had changed now; they were less awkward and friendlier. We would play checkers and poker using MSN as a helpful tool (I’d always beat him at checkers); to be honest, I loved Akshay’s company. When I think about our conversations, I remember two 14 year olds discussing our fears of high school, or just fears in general, favourite things to do, to eat...etc. I could say that by the end of summer, I started considering Akshay as one of my best friends. He was like a sanctuary to me, and to him I could tell him anything.
Grade nine and ten zipped by pretty fast; however the events that have occurred in our lives since summer oh-eight are numerous. We both grew, physically mentally and emotionally; however as we learned, we also experienced the hardships of various situations in life, sometimes almost similar to one another. I had a boyfriend, he a girlfriend, we had friends; don’t have some friends...etc. My point is, despite all the things we went through, Akshay stood by me through all of them. This kid, the guy that I used to laugh at in grade seven has now become the most important person in my life. The past two high school years were tough, I am not going to lie. There was loss, gain, love, hate everything; but I guess that’s what high school is. I truly feel that regardless the many depressing situations I had to face, my friend Akshay gave me hope.
It’s true whenever he said “Everyone needs someone Shriyah,” and that’s because we all have to face a certain problem, but can’t do it alone; therefore in the worst of situations, suddenly you have someone there for you. When you think about it, it’s kind of magical how someone appears when you truly need them there.
You know that reflection kind of question, “Would you rather have a million fake friends or a few real ones?” I guess in my scenario, the answer is rather obvious. Even though I have been alive for 16 years, I truly feel that from the moment I walked into preschool, to now, I have seen a world of people and their judgements. Sometimes I guess you have some great time with your so called “besties,” but then if a few losers turn against you, your “besties” will follow the crowd too. So wait, it’s like losing your pride AND your “so called friends.”
The last blog I wrote I mentioned that I shall “never write again,” but I need to say the reason I wrote this blog was for my friend Akshay. I felt the need because I needed a way to prove to him that he’s been right with whatever advice he has ever given me, and thanks to him I have figured out that it is important to be yourself regardless of the circumstances. So here I am again.
Fact is, everyone in this world is a hypocrite, a crowd follower and an opportunist at a point in their life, but hey, that’s completely normal human behaviour. The difference though is, are you like that ALL the time, or occasionally? I was judgemental when I made fun of Akshay, and ironically he is now my best friend.
This blog is basically a little insight on someone I cherish the most, a story to remember those good times I have had, and the many more I hope will come. I guess this blog might not make enough sense to everyone, but I know Akshay knows what I am talking about.
Akshay,
Thank you so much for being a part of my life and giving every moment meaning. All those conversations, laughs, fights and awkward moments we shared brightened the worst of my days. Thank you for bringing me back to my own self; for I know I could not have done it without you. I know you know that the reason I am happy today, is because you were there regardless of whomever. I love you bestie *hugs*.
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