I threw away the rest of my lunch after taking only two small bites. It could have been because the hot dog tasted strange compared to the ones I was used to eating back in Argentina, or it could have been because I just did not have an appetite out of nervousness.
The bell rang, and all I could think about was what was being served for lunch back in my old school.
My family moved to the United States almost three years ago, and back then we were stuck in a situation where we did not own a house, a car or know anyone around the area at all.
For the first few weeks, we lived in a cheap hotel trying to settle down by looking for a permanent place to live while having to rent the cheapest car to get around town.
Not only did I struggle to adjust to life in America, but going to school proved to be hard since I had no idea what SATs, ACTs, or what a GPA even meant.
But I soon found out that I was not the only one who felt that way. Slowly, I made friends with other immigrant students who were going through the same hardships as me: we were all homesick and were lost in the sea of the so many students at Temple City.
To distract myself from missing home, I worked hard to not only do my best in my classes, but to try to get involved in school activities.
Soon, I became involved in ASBL, Rampage, Link Crew, Peer Listeners and clubs around campus. I started to stay after-school to help sketch and paint posters used at assemblies and help out with various school events. Through these different events, I formed new and meaningful friendships with fellow members.
These friends provided immense support by constantly explaining and helping me become more familiarized with the American lifestyle in-and-out of school.
Looking back at how my high school life was and now looking at all the friendships I have formed, makes me think that moving to America was definitely one of the best choices I have ever made.
Who would have ever thought that the shy Argentinian girl who did not know anyone at all Sophomore year, would one day become Prom Queen?
The other day, when I was eating school lunch, it did not taste strange at all; in fact, it tasted like home.
TCHS School Newspaper