QSI International School of Phuket

Valeriya Stolbovaya

Writing 2

First thing

30.03.12

My first day in QSI

            I remember my first day in QSI, and it wasn’t a day I would forget. The day before I flew to Phuket from Russia, and I knew that the next day I would be going to a new school. I was very nervous, but my parents were telling me not to worry. When we were driving in the car, my hands were shaking because of how nervous I was. Of course, this was a big day. Since I left kindergarten I studied in only one school in Russia. Now I was moving to a new school, and not even Russian, but English which I barely knew. Even though I was twelve years old, it was still a very big step in life for me.

            When we arrived at the school, my parents went inside with me. First, we were sitting at a table with the director who was telling everything to my parents, and then Ms. Rachel came up to me and told me that she would show me around. I saw children running around playing on the playground. It was a nice small school; I liked it. Then Ms. Rachel showed me my classroom where my teacher was sitting at a table writing something down. His name was Mr. Drew. I walked into the classroom and sat at an empty space, but no kids were in class, only their backpacks. I just sat there for a couple of minutes and then the bell rang. Mr. Drew said that I had to follow him, but I was confused. We came back to the playground where the whole school was gathering.

            Later I understood why everybody gathered, because it was a tradition for school. As I found out later, it was a tradition for all the Thai schools. The students from school played the hymn of Thailand every morning, showing our respect to the country we live in. Later came the announcements all over the school, and teachers were saying important things going on in school. Then a girl came up to me and started talking to me in Russian. At first I was very surprised because I didn’t know that there were Russians in my school, but I talked to her and it turned out she was in my class too. I was so glad, and knew that it would be way easier for me from now on.

            All of the students came back to their class and introduced themselves to me, and I tried to introduce myself. I was very shy, but as the days passed I became less and less shy. I think that all of the kids are shy when they come to a new school, and I am no exception. Classes passed one by one. Because I didn’t know English very well, it was kind of hard for me to understand what the teacher was explaining, but Liza was explaining to me which helped me a lot. Then we had lunch, ate food and played around with the other kids. Liza showed me the school more, and introduced me to other teachers. I still have no idea how long would it take me to adjust if not for her help.

            So the day passed by, and I really liked the school. Day by day I came there to learn new things and meet new people. Later on, my English level improved greatly so I could join the rest of my class in Writing and Reading class. Liza still remained my best friend, and I don’t know how I should thank her for all she did for me. I have studied in QSI for three years already, and it became my second home. Now, I look at the kids that come here for their first time, and wonder if I was just like that when I came. My first day in QSI was something I will never forget.