Fighting to take what belong to me

ed onto the roadside. The driver, an old man with a

iting as he said, "Where a

rammar High School," as

the driver nodded. "All right, enter the

. The driver turned to smile at

d added, "Hold on tight, w

ousness and exhilaration. I stared straight ahead

ver said after what s

r me when I looked up. My heart skipped a beat as I realized that

step. I experienced a wave of uneasiness as

e me. I straightened my shoulders, loo

at mo

ed me the day before. They were observing me from a distance

nd collected. I inhaled deeply before saying to the cabbie,

. "You're very welcome, woman. B

turned and headed for the school building, w

me quickly through the busy school hallways. As I swerved by groups of k

ers and posters promoting different school organizations and activities covered the

staurants. Students were seated at tables, eating salads and sandwiches or drinking bever

oorway. I could see my classmates' familiar faces as I got close

open the door and stepped inside. I moved in its dir

s on me as I moved. I maintained my shoulders back

lid into my chair. I inhaled deeply as a wave o

y's difficulti

o. Books and papers were stacked high on the teacher's desk in the front of the room. As a

iliar and cozy environment. Armed with my courage and my re

as I was getting comfortable in my chair. Our instructor, Mrs. Ifeme, was st

g to you all," in a ch

ents said, "Good mo

resting on each of us before settling on me. With a note

h curiosity. Mrs. Ifeme wanted to know why I w

e looking at me with interest and worry mixed together. When I beca

l is right here," her eyes crinkling at the corn

ver, I couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling. Mrs. Ifeme had