The air was crisp, the sun just rising over the distant horizon, as Htet Myat stood in front of his new school. His palms were slightly clammy, and a rush of nerves twisted in his stomach. It was his first day at Mizuhara International Academy, a prestigious school in Japan that catered to students from all over the world.
Mom: “You’ll do great, my little sweetie. Just keep an open mind. You’ll get used to it quickly.”
Dad: “Make sure to say 'hello' to people, alright? Start with a smile and take it one step at a time. You'll be fine, my son”
They had left their home early in the morning, navigating the busy streets of Tokyo and now standing in front of the school gates. Htet nodded, absorbing the advice, but deep down, a knot of uncertainty remained.
The school stood before him like an imposing fortress of academia. A modern three-story building with glass windows that reflected the blue sky, surrounded by a beautifully manicured campus with vibrant green trees. The name of the school, Mizuhara International Academy, was etched in bold, black and golden highlight letters across a wide gate.
Htet (nervously): “Huuuu…I guess it’s time…”
Mom (encouraging): “You’re going to make so many memories here. Just embrace it. Ohhh our little sweetie will make us proud. You have everything to offer.”
Htet’s mom gave him one last hug before his dad patted him on the back.
Dad (smiling): “Go, son. Don’t be shy. You can always call us if you need to talk.”
With a deep breath, Htet made his way towards the entrance, glancing back to see his parents waving goodbye. The gate swung open, and he stepped into the unknown, the nerves bubbling inside him.
—
As he walked through the school grounds, the bustling sound of students filled the air. Some were gathered in groups, chatting excitedly in different languages, while others hurried towards various buildings for their morning classes.
Htet paused at the entrance of the main building, taking in the sight of his new surroundings. The interior was sleek, with wide hallways lined with lockers and bulletin boards, some posters, notice papers and majority of various culture related things are visible within his peripheral. A large banner above him read: Welcome to Mizuhara International Academy!
Htet (thinking): My God..This place looks like a small city inside a school. It's Soo overwhelming.
Just then, a cheerful voice interrupted his thoughts.
Hana (smiling warmly): “Excuse me! Hey there! You must be a new student, Htet, right? I hope I don't mispronounce your name.
Htet turned around to find a girl with short black hair, a friendly smile, and a backpack slung over one shoulder. She wore a navy blue blazer and a neat skirt. She looked like someone who had already adjusted to the school’s environment.
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Htet (smiling nervously): “Yeah, that’s me. Oh and put more force on the first ‘t’ and you are all good. But how did you know who I am?
Hana (grinning): “I saw you yesterday with your parents but didn't manage to introduce myself back then. I’m Hana, by the way. I’m in the same grade as you. I can show you around if you’d like!”
Htet (relieved): “ Oh, That would be awesome, thank you very much Hana!”
Hana nodded enthusiastically and motioned for Htet to follow her. They began walking through the hallways as she pointed out different sections of the school.
Hana (explaining): “Okay, so over there is the cafeteria, and it’s the perfect place to meet people. A lot of students go there for lunch, and you can try some Japanese food. Trust me, their curry rice is to die for.”
Htet (laughing nervously): “Sounds good. I’ll have to try it.”
Hana (pointing ahead): “And over here is the library. It's huge. You’ll definitely want to check it out if you’re into reading. They have books in all sorts of languages; English, Japanese, even a little bit of Burmese, I think.”
Htet’s eyes widened. Burmese? That was unexpected.
Htet (curious): “Burmese books here? That’s cool. I was sure I wouldn't be seeing any Burmese related stuff in a foreign land. That surprises me”
Hana (nodding): “Yep! The school prides itself on being really inclusive. There’s a lot of cultural exchange happening here, so you’ll meet people from all over.”
As they continued walking, Htet started to relax. Hana's easy-going nature helped ease the tension that had been weighing on him. They made their way to the classroom building, where Hana introduced him to a few other students, some of whom greeted him with shy smiles or waves. He tried his best to remember their names.
Hana (smiling): “Alright, let’s get you settled in your homeroom. Your first class starts soon.”
They reached the door to Room 203, where Htet would be attending his first-ever class at the academy. Hana knocked gently before opening the door, and Htet was greeted by the warm gaze of their homeroom teacher.
Mr. Nakamura (cheerfully): “Ah, you must be the new student! Welcome, Htet. I’m Mr. Nakamura, your Japanese teacher. Please, come on in. We’re just about to begin.”
Htet hesitated for a moment, then nodded and entered the room. The classroom was spacious, with rows of desks arranged neatly, a large whiteboard at the front, and colorful posters on the walls depicting various Japanese phrases and kanji characters. Some students were already seated, looking at their notebooks, while others whispered to their friends.
Hana motioned for him to sit beside her.
Hana (whispering): “Don’t worry, you’ll fit right in.”
Htet sat down, taking a deep breath as he placed his bag on the floor and glanced around. His heart raced a little. He was really here.
Mr. Nakamura (addressing the class): “Okay, everyone! Settle down, please. We have a new student today. Htet, why don’t you introduce yourself?”
The class turned their attention toward Htet, and he felt his palms grow damp. His heart pounded in his chest, but he forced himself to stand.
Htet (nervously): “Uh, hello. My name is Htet Myat. I just moved from Myanmar. I hope to get along with everyone.”
The class gave him a polite round of applause, and Mr. Nakamura beamed.
Mr. Nakamura (encouraging): “Nice to meet you, Htet. We’re all here to help you. Don’t worry if you make mistakes. We’re all learning together. Now, let’s get started with today’s lesson!”
Mr. Nakamura proceeded to introduce the lesson for the day. It was a review of basic Japanese greetings and self-introduction phrases, something Htet was familiar with but still needed practice on. As he listened, he recalled the Japanese phrases his parents had taught him back home.
Mr. Nakamura (explaining): “Today, we’ll review the most common self-introduction phrases. We use them whenever we meet someone new. For example, ‘Hajimemashite’ means ‘Nice to meet you,’ and ‘Watashi wa [name] desu’ means ‘I am [name].’ Let’s all practice. First, I’ll demonstrate.”
Mr. Nakamura then went on to practice with the class, and Htet joined in, repeating the phrases with the rest of the students.
Mr. Nakamura (encouraging): “Good! Now, everyone takes turns introducing yourselves.”
As each student took their turn, Htet marveled at how natural it seemed for everyone to speak in Japanese. It was clear they had all spent time learning the language, but the way they switched between languages so easily made Htet feel both excited and a little overwhelmed.
Hana (whispering): “You’re doing great! Just take your time.”
By the end of the class, Htet felt a little more at ease. The students had all been kind and welcoming, and though he knew it would take time to adjust, he felt hopeful about the days ahead.
Mr. Nakamura (smiling): “Alright, class dismissed. Remember to practice those introductions. And Htet, feel free to ask me if you need help with anything.”
—
As Htet walked out of the classroom, the noise of other students filled the halls again. He met up with Hana outside, and the two of them headed to the cafeteria for lunch.
Hana (cheerfully): “So, how was your first class?”
Htet (smiling): “It was good. A bit overwhelming, but I think I’ll get the hang of it. Plus the class was a great icebreaker for me”
Hana (grinning): “You will! And don’t worry, the food here’s really good. You’re going to love it.”
—
The first day of school had begun, and though it was only the beginning, Htet already felt a small sense of belonging. There was so much more to explore, so many more people to meet. But for now, he was taking it one step at a time.
And he knew that with time, the school, his classmates, and even the language would soon feel more familiar.
—(End of Chapter 1)—