Day 1 - First Exposure

December 15, 2016 was my very first day at work.

The world felt so big and bright and strange! Excitement and anxiety were abundant. My guts did many roller-coasters as I took in new sights and new practices. Familiar faces helped me blend into the new picture. I remember meeting three specific new faces that day.

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"Hello! I'm ready! 

Good morning! I'm new.

What do I do here?

Sure, I can do that.

Where can I find these?

How do I do this?

How long have you been here?

(I hope to be as professional as you soon!)

I want to help.

Okay, let's do this!

Thank you so much.

Goodbye. 

(I hope to see you all tomorrow!)"

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Special thanks to Mrs. Jingkie for providing such a warm, friendly, no-pressure atmosphere! I fell in love with your patience and interest in me. At first glance I was intimidated! But quickly I learned how motherly and friendly you are. You taught me by letting me try for myself. What you've taught me has helped me in similar situations up to this day. You are amazing! You will always be a special favorite to me. 

To Ms. Cheermay: I was so happy to see you! There was no awkwardness with you. I was able to let my guard down. I felt that we were like peas in a pod. But perhaps I took it too far. It hurt that you tricked me into doing something you didn't want to do. I forgave you. 

To Ms. Irene: Thank you for being kind! I didn't expect it from you. I thought you would do more staring than speaking to me. But you were so gentle and kind and you talked to me a lot. I liked you very quickly! But in the end you went along with Ms. Cheermay's prank. At least it wasn't your idea. You just went with it. I forgave you. 

To Mr. Moses: I was nervous when you showed up. You opened my mind to the fact that there were many more strangers to meet. I got even more anxious when you didn't even really try to talk to me, the newbie. A barrier was immediately formed. But Sir, I'm sorry for not acknowledging you as much as I should have. It didn't have to be you, it could have been me to break the ice. My anxiety ate me up. I made a mental note to be kinder to you in the future. I didn't dislike you. You were on the more favorable side.

To Mr. Eduard: I was not as nervous when I first saw you. You smiled at first glance--no, you were smiling even before you saw me. Thus you came off quite friendly, but perhaps too friendly that I felt the need to keep distance. But you got me with your constant smile. It never left your face even when you fumbled as you taught me things. I appreciated that you spoke to me directly and without all the complaints about English. I'm sorry, but I did not remember your name that day.