The next morning, Htet woke up to the same soft sunlight streaming through his dorm window. It had been a few days since his arrival, and he was starting to feel more at home in the bustling rhythm of the school. Still, the adjustment was gradual.Each day brought new faces, new lessons, and a little more familiarity with the routine.
His dorm room was still a work in progress, but today he took extra care in organizing his belongings. The framed picture of his family taken at Shwedagon pagoda sat on the desk, a small comfort in this foreign place, reminding him of home.
Htet (thinking, as he packed his bag): Schools are always getting at me, but hey, I am sorta enjoying this. One step at a time.
—
Scene: School
*Ding, ding, ding*
The first school bell rang, signaling the start of the day and for students to get ready for the class. Htet made it just in time and met Hana near the entrance of the school, where she was waiting for him.
Hana (grinning): “Hey, sleepyhead! Glad you barely made it on time today.”
Htet (yawning): “I’m trying, I’m trying. I’m still not used to the environment and waking up early for this.”
Hana (teasing): “You’ll get used to it. If I can do it, so can you.”
As they walked toward their first class of the day, Htet’s eyes scanned the familiar faces around them. More and more students greeted Hana, and she responded with her usual cheerfulness. It was clear she had no trouble making friends.
But as they reached the hallway outside their classroom, Htet spotted a girl standing near the door. She had long, dark brown hair tied in a neat ponytail and wore a pair of glasses that gave her a sharp yet kind look. She was looking down at a book in her hands, seemingly absorbed in reading.
Hana (nudging Htet): “Ah, there’s Elena. She’s in our grade, but she doesn’t talk much unless she’s around people she knows. She’s super smart, though.”
Htet (curious): “Elena?”
Hana (nodding): “Yeah. She’s from Spain. Don’t be shy to introduce yourself. She’s really friendly once you get to know her.”
As they approached, Hana waved at the girl.
Hana (cheerfully): “Elena! Are you ready for today’s classes?”
Elena looked up, a soft smile playing at the corner of her lips. Her smile was warm, but there was a certain quiet elegance to her that made her seem slightly distant.
Elena (in a calm, clear voice): “Good morning, Hana. Yes, I’m ready. How was your evening?”
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Hana (laughing lightly): “Oh, you know, the usual. How about you? Still studying for the math test?”
Elena (nodding): “I did some reviewing. I think I’m ready, though I’m still not sure about the last part of the lesson.”
Hana (to Htet, grinning): “I told you, she’s a genius when it comes to math. If you ever need help, she’s your girl.”
Htet (smiling shyly): “I might take you up on that offer...”
Elena (glancing at Htet, then offering a friendly smile): “Of course. If you need anything, just ask.”
Htet felt a little taken aback by Elena’s soft-spoken nature, but her warmth quickly made him feel more at ease. It wasn’t until that moment that he realized just how much he had been relying on Hana to introduce him to people. Elena was different, calmer, less outgoing, but there was an unspoken kindness in her that he appreciated.
—
Class Scene: English Period
The bell rang, signaling the start of their English class with Ms. Tanaka. The students took their seats, and Htet noticed that Elena sat a couple of rows behind him, always appearing absorbed in her notes. As Ms. Tanaka entered the room, the chatter died down, and the class began.
Ms. Tanaka (smiling warmly): “Good morning, everyone. Today, we’ll be working on improving your writing skills. I want you all to focus on structure and clarity, especially in essays.”
Htet took out his notebook, feeling somewhat confident. English was a subject he was comfortable with, and he had done well in it back home.
Ms. Tanaka (writing on the board): “Today’s topic will be 'The Importance of Cultural Exchange.' Please write a short essay on how cultural exchange can benefit individuals and societies. I want you to think about your personal experiences with it, whether it’s traveling abroad, meeting people from different cultures, or simply trying new foods.”
Htet thought for a moment. He could already think of some experiences that had shaped his view of the world. He began to jot down some ideas.
—
As the class progressed, Htet found himself growing more comfortable with the lessons. It wasn’t just the material itself; it was the interactions. In a way, the language barrier didn’t feel as daunting when everyone seemed so eager to help each other. Elena, who had been mostly quiet during the beginning of the class, raised her hand when Ms. Tanaka asked for volunteers to share their ideas.
Elena (in perfect English, slightly hesitant): “I think cultural exchange teaches us empathy. When we experience the traditions, the food, the way people live in different parts of the world, we learn to understand them better. It helps break down stereotypes and assumptions.”
Her words struck Htet. They felt so genuine, as though she spoke from personal experience. He couldn’t help but glance back at her, impressed by her insight.
Ms. Tanaka (nodding thoughtfully): “Well said, Elena. Empathy is at the heart of cultural exchange. It’s through these interactions that we begin to see the world with different perspective.”
After hearing Elena’s thoughts, Htet felt a little more motivated to write his own essay. There was something about the way she expressed herself that resonated with him. It wasn’t just about the words; it was the calm confidence and genuine interest behind them.
—
Scene: Lunch Break
As the day wore on, lunch break arrived. The cafeteria was just as bustling as usual, but today, Htet felt a sense of familiarity. He sat down at the same table with Hana, Elena, and Liam, who had joined them as well.
Liam (grinning): “So, what do you think? Have you started getting used to the food here?”
Htet (laughing): “It’s amazingly good! I’m getting better at picking out what I want, but I still need some guidance on the sushi rolls.”
Hana (teasing): “I’ll take you on a sushi tour one day. We’ll make a proper expert out of you.”
Elena (smiling softly): “Sushi is great but have you tried the sashimi yet?”
Htet (shaking his head): “You mean that fresh raw cut of fish? Umm.. Not yet. I’m still working up the courage.”
Elena (laughing lightly): “It’s really good once you get used to it. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.”
Hana (grinning): “Yeah, just don’t go for the really spicy wasabi unless you want your mouth to be on fire.”
Liam (mock serious): “Or you can let me try first, and then we’ll know what to expect.”
Htet (smiling proudly) : I’m a South East Asian, spicy is in our genes. But if you guys say so, I will try them one day.
—
The conversation flowed easily, and Htet found himself enjoying these small moments of connection. Elena, though quieter than Hana or Liam, had a subtle way of making him feel welcome.
As they finished their meals and the group stood up to head back to class, Htet couldn’t help but feel that his world was slowly expanding.
—
Later that evening, after school ended for the day, as Htet walked back to his dorm, he thought about the people he had met so far. Hana, with her lively energy; Liam, with his humor and laid-back charm; and Elena, with her quiet wisdom. They all seemed so different, but in some ways, they were all connected through their shared experiences at Mizuhara International Academy.
Htet realized that life far away from his motherland is scary and full of challenges, but he wasn’t alone, he was fortunate to meet new friends despite the culture and environmental barriers. And that thought alone, more than anything, made him feel a little less uncertain about the future.
—(End of Chapter 4)---