SCROLLING YOURSELF RIGHT OUT OF OPPORTUNITY

It was the start of October. The air would soon be crisp and the leaves knew it was their time to start falling. It was already a month into the school year, and everyone— both students and teachers alike— had their place. The students would meet at the end of the hall before school started. There were discussions in the teachers lounge between classes (that I rarely could understand). And the most cliché (but certainly the most real), it was already decided where, or with who, you sat with in the cafeteria.

Now I’m not saying its Mean Girl’s style, with the jocks at one table and the Plastics at the other, quite the contrary really. But still, as I walked on over to the cafeteria for dinner that first night, I was nervous. You see, the high school I work at is a half-boarding school, so the kids who live too far have dorm-like accommodations at the school AKA they eat dinner there.

So there I was. In front of the cafeteria staring at the door… it was time. I walked in and fell in line behind the person in front of me. They picked up something, I picked up something. A salad, a dairy, a fruit, etc. It wasn’t exactly rocket science.

With tray in hand, I continued to the dining hall to find myself face-to-face with a room of tables and people I didn’t know. So in true Millenial/Gen-Y fashion, I found a nice empty table, pulled out my phone, and started scrolling through trivial Facebook articles. I really didn’t mind, I was okay with being on my own.

That was until a nice girl approached me and asked if I wanted to sit with her and her friends. I met her boyfriend and a few others. They all were asking me questions in French. Where are you from? Why are you here? What’s America like? Have you ever been to New York? I was quite the novelty. 

I thought for sure the novelty would have worn off by now. Fast-forward— it’s the end of November. I still sit with them for every meal!!

They’ve invited me to go to the movies with them. They’ve filled out paperwork for me when I didn’t understand the vocabulary. They’ve helped me come up with ideas for class activities. They even invited me to go with them to a photography festival in a neighboring town. But most importantly… they’ve helped me feel welcome.

Sure, half the time I’m just sitting at the table trying to keep up with their french chit-chat. As one chimes in, another speaks over the other, repeat. Half the time it feels like I’m trying to run a marathon on a treadmill. Often I can’t really keep up… but on the days where I can, I chime in. I look at their faces expecting confusion, but wait…they actually understood what I was trying to say!!! I sit back in my seat smiling. I feel accomplished. I feel happy.

All in all, I’m sure I could’ve kept myself entertained during meals. I could’ve brought books or listened to podcasts, no doubt. But I have to say… As fall is quickly turning into winter, and I approach the doors of the cafeteria in a winter coat with a scarf wrapped around my neck, it’s a hell of a lot nicer to be greeted by waves from smiling, caring friends.