EPT
Part 2 - Joining the society
The year was 1999. My dad, sister and I had just bought a tub of ice cream and were driving to our new home, just 5 minutes' walk from my new school. The house wasn't majestic, yet it was enough for me to feel content with. My mom was still cleaning the new house, which was left uncleaned by the irresponsible owners. The house was bare with the exception of the kitchen, where there was just one fridge for us to store the ice cream.
![[image loading]](http://danbooru.donmai.us/data/cb052672731cad15817c4af69e564833.jpg)
In a few days, I would be attending my new school, a totally different environment from where I was once familiar with. I wouldn't be hanging around with my caucasian ( or Ang Moh, as they are called in Singapore, literally meaning 'red hairs' )or Korean friends anymore. I would be with a bunch of Chinese, Malay and Indian peers, people I have never interacted with before. Maybe this was what they called 'being nervous'. Or was this fear? Fear of not being accepted?
. . .
The day arrived, and I woke up at 6am. A nightmare for me, considering that in my previous school, I had always woken up at 8am. Being dragged out of my bed, I went to wash up and changed into my uniform. Slowly, I dragged my feet out of the door, across the road and towards the school.
I was greeted with a scene of happy 8 year olds. All being familiar with each other, for they have known each other for almost 8 months, I felt like I was the only one out there.
![[image loading]](http://danbooru.donmai.us/data/8e92c6938134ee5142b0d6ad1181381e.jpg)
Immediately, I was lost. They were all gathering in the hall, standing obediently in straight rows, as though some monster was going to get on stage and eat anyone who dares to speak or move. I just followed suit and shut up.
Then there was a command. "The National Anthem."
Huh?
What?
In an instant, thousands of voices united as they sang a bunch of words I could not comprehend.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rCR8V9WOzlg&fmt=18
Having no idea what to do, I just stood there, waiting for the ceremony to end. After almost 2 minutes, the song stopped, and I was finally anticipating the person on stage, which I assumed to be the principal to make a speech.
Except there was something else. The Pledge.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZOunw9dXPU&fmt=18
Okay...
. . .
There was no speech, instead there were some announcements read by a 'prefect', following which we were dismissed. My class teacher guided me to my classroom, where I waited outside as my teacher announced a new student. Heart thumping, I stepped inside as my teacher called for me.
I looked around the class, and I saw faces.
Smiling, happy faces.
I was overwhelmed with relief, and was assigned next to a girl, whom instantly chatted with me.
![[image loading]](http://danbooru.donmai.us/data/b4bfc29911464c1ba8bedd785af8b72a.jpg)
I was off to a good start.
- to be continued -
