In a lost stupor, I observe the building before me. A large, yellow and black realm with large windows and a tight packet of cars resting in the parking lot. I wish I could say that I know what I'm doing.. and why I am here... but, sadly, my mind has the consistancy of of mud at this moment. Foreign, ornate halls untraversed, up until now, by my weary feet. Not only am I scared out of my wits, but I have no clue whatsoever on where I'm going.
Okay.. so the schedule says Visual Arts 10 2D, Room 302.. but my eyes see differently. That little piece of paper actually states.. "Hello you confused, animated ball of nerves. This note obviously shows you where to go.. but you're too jittery to even read correctly, aren't you..? Hahahaha!"
T'was a cold, damp morning on November 17th, 1999.
My new school. For now, it is simply that. Terrifying me with it's unknown walls and groves of unknown faces... reigning supreme. I feel so very insignificant.. nothing more than a cowering animal surrounded by hunters. Yeah.. that's it! Hunters, with their brandished Five Star binders. Alas.. are they really hunters? What would I know, aside from the fact that these people belong here..?
This was their school, their habits, their home and their province. It was if these people KNEW that I was not from around here... needless to say, I did look a little paranoid. Someone who grew up on an island for the entirety of their young life... it was not common to see a person like that react calmly when faced with an entirely new scenario. Of course, I was that very person... taking every moment of solace offered to me, and hiding behind lockers.
From the day I stepped from that plane, I knew there would be hell to pay. It surely wouldn't be all shits and giggles, upon arriving in this place. Being a spooney artist, my imagination worked on overtime... even upon imminent arrival to my new home... British Columbia extending it's jagged, snow-peaked talons towards me. The Rockies, majestic in their ancient stance; easily considered the Himilayas in my homeland.
My first time away from my coal-mining town. A baby, torn from the womb and thrown to wolves. Not a spark of fight is left in me, for it was all used up. I am tired, and unknown. Yet... these people... they are not wolves. They eventually uncover themselves as angels.
These people, alone, were spectacles in my Cape Breton viewpoint. Instead of "Whuh?" they said "Pardon?"
My God, my mind simply went on strike.
"How's she goin', bye" is easily replaced with, "How are you?"
My Gaelic sense of humor, thrown for a loop, writhes and slowly dies. Where am I? Will I remain as myself..? Days pass.. my accent feels heavy. Newfound friends try valiantly to mimic it, but often end up in defeat. God love those people, who.. months before.. lived thousands of miles away from me. People I never thought of, until this day in which I'm feeling like I've been thrust into society... wearing nothing but my birthday suit.
These people, with their British Columbian minds... separate entities from my own psyche. I adore those people, as they take me under their wings.. comforting a lost soul. Though conversations often end with a simple.. "Could you repeat that, please?" - affectionate eyes place themselves upon my faltering form. Curious of me, and compassionate. With their different accents, customs and viewpoints.. they flourish my mind. What is an East Coaster doing all the way out here..?
I feel diverse. Will I change my ways, or worry..? Will I lose my accent... and the habits which make me a Cape Bretoner..? Never. I will embrace it all whilst pushing the aches from my beating heart. I will watch each and every new sunrise... and lay myself down to sleep with every nightfall. I will accept the new province with open arms, giving forth the distinct forms of love and curiousity that only a Cape Bretoner can muster.
Know now that I am in a land that will take care of me. As I walk up that stage to receive my Honor certificate, and my diploma... I exhale amidst the curious gazes and applauding. I have graduated... I have made it.
I am now home.
(A small, semi-lighthearted look at the cultural differences between Cape Bretoners and British Columbians,
by someone who found out the hard way. ^_^;;)----------------------
(Kill the midi!)----------------------
Back to Thoughts - Main!