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I remember my first day at school. We didn't start going to school until the age of 7. I was scared but nevertheless a little excited. I got up early. My uniform, a blue pinafore with a white blouse was all neatly ironed by the maid. We had to wear white shoes and white socks. When Dad was offered the job as the Chief Engineer at Radio Sarawak, it came with a house and also the deal came with a chauffeur, a gardener and a maid. After driving Dad to work, Lai Ho our chauffeur drove us to school. Mum came along. When we arrived, my brother put his arm around me and told me that everything was going to be fine. He then walked towards his school.
There were mothers everywhere. They even allowed mothers to stay for the whole day! Wow! This was great, I thought and I felt so much better. I gave Mum a kiss and she gave me a hug while Lai Ho gave me an encouraging pat on the head. We were told to line up in pairs for assembly in the order of Primary One to Secondary Twelve. St Mary's School is a primary and secondary combined school. It is affiliated with the Church of England and therefore every morning before school started and every afternoon before going home, we had an assembly in the school hall. After assembly, we walked to our allocated classroom. I felt a sense of apprehension as I slowly walked right to the back of the classroom and quietly sat down. Mrs Goh, our teacher entered the classroom and morning greetings were exchanged. But my worst fears were realized when I heard my name called. And being my first day, I was both frightened and shy! I didn't have time to think, because as suddenly as my name was called, she was standing next to my desk. I was asked to stand. She then turned to the class and told them briefly as many facts as possible about me. Before long, all the other girls were around me, telling me their names etc. This was the first time such a fuss was made because I was a new girl from overseas - Singapore. Wow! I felt really good with everyone being so friendly. The morning went very fast and I was actually enjoying myself. Before I knew it, the bell rang for lunchtime. I ran outside to where I knew Mum would be. Then I saw Dad and ran to him and he gave me a hug. Dad had taken time off to see that I was okay for my first day. Lai Ho was also there with them. I was so excited and told everyone what had happened in the classroom. We then had lunch together and I couldn't wait for it to be over so that I could get back to class! You can imagine how happy I was when the bell finally rang for lunchtime to be over. I hurriedly said goodbye and dashed back to the classroom. I felt really sad when it was time to go home. Mum and I walked hand in hand towards the car. Lai Ho was standing by the car waiting for my brother. St Thomas was where my brother's school was and it was opposite St Mary's. Then I saw my brother from a distance approaching the car. I detached my hand from Mum's and ran to meet him so that I could tell him all about my exciting day. Then with Mum in front, we both climbed into the back of the car and Lai Ho drove us home. At dinner time, the excitement of my day was re-lived and my poor brother did not have much of a chance to tell us about his day. He is such a great and patient brother! I told Mum that I'd be okay from now on and that there was no reason for her to be at the school any longer. I could see that everyone was pleasantly surprised and Dad told me how proud he was of me. Dinner came and went. Now as I lay on my bed, I felt a real sense of happiness and peace of mind. I turned, closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep. And tomorrow........a brand new day ahead of me!
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