Uncharted territory: New school, new rules

MANILA, Philippines - Change, change, change… It has become the rule rather than the exception. I’m sure you have experienced a form of it at some time or another: transferring houses, friends moving away, or in my case, having to switch schools.

 To a young mind, these are exciting times: full of perils and opportunity. The issue, however, is when the outcome is unclear—The Great Unknown can be daunting. Despite what reservations I may have, it is inevitable at times, and sometimes you just have to learn to accept what comes your way with grace.

 My big change came in the form of having to change school. I initially couldn’t understand why I was transferring from the school I’d spent the better portion of my life in. To leave the familiar faces of my friends and teachers, and the comforting environment I’d grown accustomed to was scary; to meet completely new people in uncharted territory was terrifying. 

The moment I saw my mom sign the transfer papers, I felt my stomach turn into a pit of unease. I didn’t know what to expect, how to act, and whether this was the right decision at all.

 The transition from a local to an international school is definitely trying. Would I know how to talk and act? Who would teach me? Would I have friends? Would I fit in?

 My biggest fear, you ask? Sports—the waterloo of most Asians, the great equalizer, where brawn beats brains. 

 Simply put, I’m not a fit girl. I despise the sweat and grime that accompany exercise, and the muscle pain that inevitably ensues. This was perfect in the local school I’d hailed from. Physical Education was a merciful once a week, and not too strenuous at that. All further activity was voluntary.

 The importance delegated to P.E. in international schools had not been emphasized during my briefing. Thus, I was wholly unprepared for the water polo ball that came hurling towards my face. 

 I was caught by surprise by the sudden transition to physical activity. I wanted to transfer back to my comfortable, safe, and familiar old school, but there was no turning back. The only thing to do was to try and cope by practicing in my free time, and in the meantime, try to avoid, charm, and hopefully gain sympathy from the equally irritated, super-fit, six-pack bearing P.E. teacher.

 These experiences are forever ingrained in my memory, but perhaps it’s just that my ears won’t stop ringing. The stereotypical character of a shouting P.E. coach was not limited to movies after all. 

 In this situation one starts to appreciate what parents talk about regarding “Let them be, they will adapt and survive” or “One learns by doing.” Or the eternal Nike slogan “Just do it.”

As you can tell from my writing, though, I remember all this with a rueful sort of fondness. I’ve built a greater appreciation for sport. In retrospect, I would never have had these character-building moments without going through change, and this was only one of many.

 Moreover, I fell headfirst into a pool of new cultures and ideas. Being a devout Catholic and hailing from a Christian school, I’ve grown up with my religious beliefs completely and constantly reaffirmed. There was never any argument. Thus, I found it difficult to adjust to other people with completely different ideas. Religious Education (RE), unlike Christian Life Education (CLE) in local schools, debates religious topics rather than tells you what to believe. I still believe in my God and faith; however, over time, I’ve learned to listen to the reasons of my peers from other backgrounds without judgment and an open mind.

 There will always be an element of difficulty with change. We’re less comfortable without routine. Remember, however, that challenges build character.

 New experiences make us better-rounded people, give us another story to tell, and are part of what makes us unique individuals. Think of yourself as a puzzle: each piece being a new experience. More pieces equals greater difficulty; however, each one will add depth to our character and an opportunity to grow.

 Remember that humans are adaptive creatures. Although a new experience may be a frightening prospect, within a month or two, the anxiety will have diminished. So welcome an opportunity for change, even without a clear view at the outcome, and if given the option, take it. The biggest regret will be never having tried at all.