I was the new kid. School had been in session for about two weeks at the time. I've never moved before, so it was really tough having to say goodbye to all of my friends. I've been super nervous these past couple of weeks, but I think I've been hiding it really well; I've adopted the "fake it til you make it" mantra with regards to socializing with all of these new people. In a way, a positive aspect of moving was being able to reinvent myself, to not be tied down to the reputation I had at my old school. I wasn't a nerd or disliked in any way, but I was always really shy, and I didn't want that to be my defining personality trait anymore. I could be whoever I wanted, and I wanted to make a good impression.

I think it paid off today in AP English. I sat down at my desk, and was playing with my phone. All of a sudden I heard a voice ask, "how are you so witty?". I was thinking to myself, "I wonder who she's talking to...". And then I realized the possibility that she could be talking to me. I turned around to find one of the most gorgeous faces I've ever seen in my life. She then said, "like seriously, you make me laugh everyday".

I hadn't noticed her prior to that day, and I can't believe I hadn't. She's super pretty, and it was (and is) a huge confidence boost to know that my change in attitude had seemingly paid off. It didn't end there either. The entire school year was filled with nice little interactions like that between her and I.