“I’ve never been to a public school before coming to San Leandro High. My last school had three hallways, less than 300 students, and my graduating class was only 20. So when I transferred here in the middle of junior year, everything felt huge. I got lost three times on the first day. My teacher wasn’t even there, so I had to walk to FTK, but I didn’t know what that was. I ended up in a tardy sweep, and I didn’t even realize there was a second floor. It was a mess but somehow, I met people along the way who I still recognize and say hi to in the halls.
I thought I’d be shy, but I learned pretty quickly that I’m actually super social. Within two weeks, I had more friends than I’d ever had before. I met a girl named Fatima on my first day she let me sit with her at lunch. Then Ariana introduced me to the friend group I hang out with every day. That made the transition feel easier.
I think what helped the most was finding my place in the Hispanic community. All my friends are Mexican, like me, and we switch between Spanish and English in the same sentence without even thinking about it. It just feels like home.
It’s weird to say, but coming here made me more open. I used to be quiet. Now I feel like I can tell my story. That feels good.”
