Fatma

Now that I’ve returned from vacation and finished binge-watching Stranger Things, there’s more space is left in my mind to worry about starting school.

I’m still motivated to do well in school this year, but I’m afraid I’ll fall into a negative mindset and forget my desire to succeed. My plan, to prevent negativity from creeping in, is to set milestone awards for myself, as a gift for not missing days of school or for getting a good grade on a test. My first reward is in December, when my mother, sister, and I will be going to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers play in the O2 arena. That’ll definitely keep me motivated, however I don’t think all of my rewards can be this big. Buying myself a milkshake could be an award if I wanted it to be.

I’m really excited about the concert! I’ll be surrounded by an arena full of people who like the same band as me. It’s weird to think about how many other 14-year-olds will be there, whom I don’t know, who could potentially be my friends. Sometimes, I wonder why the people similar to me are spaced out; it’s as though God wants me to search for them. Nonetheless, I’m just happy to feel included on this one night, which will make up for every day at school where I don’t feel welcome. ♦