I was happy that I got transferred to a different school. It is still a public school, but it is supposed to be a better school. I don’t have to fight anymore. They still do not have anyone that looks like me, and kids still ask me silly questions about my hair, but I am starting to get use to it. When I first got to the school I was really excited, but some kids didn’t really like me and my natural hair. Everyone use to tell me that my hair was so ugly, and they would ask why my hair wasn’t long like theirs. I would play by myself at play time and I never wanted to eat in the cafeteria because no one wanted to sit next to me.

My stomach use to hurt so bad every morning when it was time to go to school. After a few days I went from feeling super happy and excited, to feeling sad and sick about my new school. When mommy found out what was going on she talked to me and my school principle. The principle said that if anyone said anything about me I should come and tell her right away. I never did tell on anyone, but it was nice to know that the principle was on my side.

I only had a few months to go before the end of the school year. I could not wait for it to be over. I transferred in during the month March or April, and the school year ended in May. We had lots of school trips, and mommy always tried to go with us so I would not have to play alone during our school trips. I just wanted a perm in my hair so that I could make friends. If my hair would fall to my shoulders then everyone would play with me. I asked mommy for a perm every day and she always said no. I would stand in front of the mirror, comb my hair, and brush it for a long time, but it always looked the same.

First grade was not anything like I thought it would be. I had three different school and a lot of unhappy days. Mommy said that I should focus on the good day and not the bad, but the bad days made me cry so much I cannot forget them. I use to love my hair, but all the mean things from the other kids made me think my hair was ugly too. I am glad that first grade is finally over. On the last day I put on my pretty blue dress, and mommy braided my beautiful natural hair up into a mohawk with an afro on top. I was pretty and my hair was pretty! I went to school ready to dance and celebrate the last day of first grade. I didn’t listen to any negative words and the funny part is that no one had any negative things to say.  I have lots of new friends. They have figured out that me and my hair are both here to stay.