This will come as little surprise, but I’m what they call a “people person.” I love meeting new people and sharing stories. I’ll talk to anyone who will listen.
I wasn’t always like this.
My childhood spanned four states so I spent a decent amount of time as “the new kid” at school. While the move from Virginia to Texas happened when I was young enough to be unfazed, the subsequent move to New York three years later had me starting Junior High and starting over in a new state at the same time. I used to blame the move for my awkward silence as I entered 7th grade, but it’s recently become clear that 7th grade is just universally awkward.
I barely slept the night before the first day of school. While I’d spent the last few weeks of Summer vacation in my new town, I’d hidden in my room behind well-worn copies of The BabySitters Club. I was entering Victor Junior High with no friends whatsoever.
The day started poorly. First period was Math, and while this subject was a favorite of mine, I’d made the mistake of getting up, mid-lecture, to sharpen my pencil. Mrs. L stopped her discussion of the tenets of Algebra to stare at me. I slowly turned to meet her gaze.
“Oh no, we’ll wait. By all means, keep making noise,” she hissed.
I slunk back to my desk, beet red.
I didn’t speak to anyone all morning. Lunchtime came, and my fear of my classmates hadn’t waned. Convinced my pencil debacle had forever tainted me in the eyes of my peers, I made my way to an empty table to eat in the company of my invisible Scarlet P.
Two tables over, a girl arose from her seat. She caught my eye, smiled, and started towards me. As I looked up at her, speechless, she introduced herself (we’ll call her MC as those are her initials), reminded me that we had French together, and invited me to sit at her table.
I can’t relay many specifics about the rest of 7th grade (or Junior High in general), but the image of MC approaching me in the cafeteria that day is easily recalled in great detail. I sometimes wonder if she remembers me at all. It likely wasn’t a momentous day for her. Being nice was her nature.
That moment in the cafeteria with MC is part of the reason why, in any kind of group scenario, I track new people like a heat-seeking missile. It’s so easy to make others feel welcome. It may be schmaltzy to say that a little effort goes a long way, but it’s true.
Seventeen years later, and I’m still thankful MC made the effort.
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Ally Bean says
This is a wonderful memory. I bet everyone has someone who included them when they most needed it. I know that I do. So sweet of you to write about it.
Helena says
Thanks, Ally!
Ally Bean says
This is a wonderful memory. I bet everyone has someone who included them when they most needed it. I know that I do. So sweet of you to write about it.
Helena says
Thanks, Ally!
Jessica says
I was very grateful for how quickly you included me in your conversation group at the 20SB cocktail night. I would say you are doing a fabulous job continuing MC’s legacy for other people 🙂
And I hate smart-ass teachers.
Helena says
I’m so glad I made you feel welcome! It was to my benefit, clearly, as I got to meet you!
Jessica says
I was very grateful for how quickly you included me in your conversation group at the 20SB cocktail night. I would say you are doing a fabulous job continuing MC’s legacy for other people 🙂
And I hate smart-ass teachers.
Helena says
I’m so glad I made you feel welcome! It was to my benefit, clearly, as I got to meet you!
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