Page 5 - Herioter 2020

the fun goodbye weekend we had planned. scared about this but at least I had my older
I was going to Connecticut to one of my brother and sister to help.
good friend’s lake house with my family. The next thing I knew we were starting
The lake house was amazing. We went school. I was excited but nervous that
tubing, swimming and we played fun games. people would make fun of me for being
After the weekend was over, I headed back new and having an American accent. It
to Rye to another friend’s house. All our was my first time wearing the uniform and
furniture and belongings had been taken although I liked the idea, I was suddenly
by the removal men and we had just one worried it would be really uncomfortable
suitcase and a backpack each. I could barely and I’d hate it! The first day was just an
sleep that night, because in the morning I induction afternoon for all new pupils, but
was hopping on a flight to Edinburgh! because I was going into S1 that meant
The morning came and so did the tears! all S1 children and not just those new to
We said goodbyes to our friends, and we the school. I was grateful that two girls in
all cried as my dad was not coming! He my registration class took me around and
still had to find a job before he could join showed me where lots of things were.
us in Edinburgh so that made the move My first day rolled around and I went to my
even harder. registration class where I met more great
My journey We arrived in Dublin for a two-hour layover people who now are my friends! People

because we couldn’t get a direct flight. were so kind and welcomed me to the
to Scotland For our flight to Edinburgh we got on a school and helped me find my way. I soon
very small plane that was quite frightening came to know where all my classes were
I was moving from Rye in New York, because my seat had a window that was in and who was in them. I am so grateful that
America, to Edinburgh, Scotland. I was line with the engine which had a propeller. everyone was friendly because it helped me
nervous. What would it be like? I knew it We finally arrived in Edinburgh around 8am get over my nerves of being new and those
was going to be very different from Rye and we took a taxi that drove us to our new feelings soon went away.
because Rye is a small town and Edinburgh home to meet my grandparents who were I decided to sign up to a few clubs because
is a city. I counted the days until our flight waiting to help us move in and get settled. my mum said it would help me make new
because that flight would change my life When we landed in Edinburgh there was friends and I am really happy I did because
forever. Before our flight there was lots to only seven days until our new school now I feel very involved and it has given
do. My family and I had four weeks to pack started and we had to buy all our uniform me lots of fun chances to experience
up the house and leave because Mum and and supplies. It was fun to shop for uniform things with new people. I really enjoyed
Dad had only just decided to move, and because in America we did not have it playing football in America and as a result
getting us into the school happened really and I did not like having to choose clothes of signing up to the football club I was
quickly. Life was crazy and I was trying each morning. Another big difference was invited to play a football match with the
to spend as much time as possible with transport because we had a car in America under-15s. I was also asked to write this
my friends. Balancing that with helping to that we used all the time. I would usually piece about my moving experience. The
pack was not easy. longer I am here the more I learn how
be driven to school and then walk home.
As the days went by more boxes began to In Edinburgh we decided not to buy a car great George Heriot’s School is and how
fill up my home that I had lived in for eight and to use the buses so we had to figure lucky I am to be a pupil. I just need my dad
years. It was Friday, August 9 and the last out which bus we would get from home to to join us and life will be great!
day in our home. I was sad but excited for school so we would not be late. I was really Ilona Salters (S1)

My first day the nervousness getting to me now. Tyler, was speaking to some parents
We followed the path onto the soft
and I went to look for my desk. When
at Heriot’s playground. The terrace steps drew everybody had sat down, Mr Tyler told
closer. I entered the Quadrangle and
hugged my mum goodbye. us to fill in an ‘A-Z about me’ sheet.
We neared the school, its grand The day passed almost too quickly,
I stumbled up the maths turret steps
buildings standing over us. I nervously but when I reached home, I instantly
and into P7T’s classroom. It was
opened the car door and placed my glorious! A brand-new smartboard, slumped onto the sofa and watched
foot onto the pavement. Me and my a set of four untouched desktop some well-earned television.
mum strolled through the Vennel gate, computers at the side. Our teacher, Mr Finlay Molyneux (P7)

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