The Lamb Who Became a Lion

The pungent smell of kindergarten lingered in the air, tingling my nostrils as the odor traveled through my nose. Suddenly, my throat transformed into the Sahara desert, dry and longing for a breath of fresh air. It seemed as if my mouth was sealed by a lock, with the key thrown away, preventing me from ever speaking again.

As a five-year old, it was time to begin the extensive journey of school, beginning with kindergarten. I was excited for the day of kindergarten orientation, but as soon as my mother and I reached the colorful classroom, it seemed as if something took over my body. The teacher immediately approached us with an inviting smile and introduced herself. My mother looked down at me, expecting some sort of response, but there was nothing. Instead, I hid behind her and grasped her leg, holding on for dear life.

I don’t remember much else that happened that day, but one thing I do remember is a conversation my teacher had with my mom. I distinctly remember my mother’s reaction to the words that were just thrown at her:

“Your daughter is not ready for kindergarten,” the teacher explained. I could sense my mom’s heart stop for a second. Nobody wants to find out that their child is going to be left behind in the dust, while every other child accelerates ahead in the race of life.

At the time, I didn’t really understand what was happening, but the next thing I know, I am on the bus on my way to my first day of kindergarten just a few days later. As I got older, my mom finally admitted to me that she did everything in her power to let me start school that year.

Shortly after, I transformed from a shy lamb, to an outgoing lion. My mom’s actions helped me find the confidence I was missing, and allowed me to be more social. No longer was I that quiet five-year-old who hid behind my mom every time someone tried to talk to me. My old habits were finally long gone, or so I thought.

Once fifth grade started, I became a shadow again, in the background, silent. Those years of hard work learning to be confident in myself seemed to go to waste. This behavior continued through middle school into eighth grade, where I was voted “most quiet” out of the whole class. Whatever happened to my confidence, I knew at this point, I needed to find a way to get it back.

In high school, I joined the soccer team my freshman year because I had played for years previously. I loved the sport, and I hoped I would have a great experience on the team. Unfortunately, every day on the field, I found myself being taunted by two girls in my grade, forcing me to talk, constantly putting me in awkward situations, and laughing at me when I did say something.

Thankfully, the experience during my freshman year helped me transform back into the lion I was in fourth grade. What happened on the soccer team ignited a great fire in me.

The past few years, I have given my best efforts to share my fun, bubbly personality and humor with everyone that I meet. I have to give credit to two of my high school teachers. Thanks to those girls on my team and my teachers, I am finally content with talking to anyone, even having conversations with strangers with no hesitation. I would especially like to thank my mom, for doing everything in her power to make sure I stayed on track, and helped me find the confidence I needed. I am no longer a timid lamb hiding in the shadows, but now I am a proud lion who has finally found their confidence.