School Day

I was awoken abruptly to the ringing of my phone and as i opened my eyes the first thought that ran through my mind was, "Gosh the mornings are getting brighter and brighter".

Unlike my usual routine, i ate breakfast, a cup of milo, before i made my bed, so that was risking my day before it had even really started. I battled on however and Mum and i got into the car. We drove around to Monique and Fuzzy and i let Fuzzy into Monique's paddock to finish her left over hay. I snuck in a carrot for each of them, as a gift from me. I think that made them feel somewhat special.

Stepping over the dusty patches between the grass, i climbed back over the fence, in my school dress i might add, and got back into the car. Mum and i drove along the winding roads to school. I left Mum and the last thing she said to me was, "I'd wish you good luck, but you don't need it".

Walking up to my locker room, the school bell sounded and i cringed as i thought about how late i actually was. I left my bag in my locker and went with Steph to homeclass. We had to go to our house for a meeting. During the meeting we talked about the upcoming Chess Tournament. I unfortunately am not skilled in the game so i have left the game in the hands of my peers, i hope we can win the Bruss Sheild this year, i have faith in my Emerald house!

I walked in late to chemistry and politely asked my teacher to let me through as she was blocking the way to my seat. She didn't hear me and the boys laughed as i stood for ages, waiting for her to move while she read her role. Finally seated i spent the morning learning of ionic bonds and compounds etc.

Liberation was at hand when the bell sounded out loudly across the school. Sitting with the girls under the pretty green trees we talked and nibbled on our recess. However, all good things come to an end and i had to move off to history. Maddie and I sat at the front of the class, as per usual, so we can see of course! We are watching Schindler's List at the moment and it is rather moving. I highly recommend this to any budding historians. I let the tears flow down my cheeks as i watched on in horror at the screen. It didn't feel like a screen, i felt as if i had to reach out and stop the death, stop the war...

Australian studies followed my history lesson. We are writting essays on the crime and justice systems in Australia however Steph and i used this as a chance to chat and write pretty signatures all over my notebook. We were so disheartened after watching part of the movie that essay writing seemed a petty activity compared to the diasters and tragedies that happen in this world.

Lunch proved to be highly entertaining from the first minute as Beirmann showed me his food all mushed up in his mouth, so childish, but so funny! We then dared Daniela to hug each teacher that walked past as today is "National Cuddle Day'. Tears rolled down my face again however, these were tears from laughter. Then Daniela and i made a team effort to walk across the lawn in a hug, we shuffled our feet along, taking ages to make it.

My last lesson for the day was Japanese. I walked along the path, looking at the red bricks and the blue ones as my black shoes clopped along. I took off those black shoes as i entered the Japanese room. Taken by surprise, my teacher started me on my year 11 course. This is so i can fit in year 11 while i am away in Japan. It all went so well, i even had a formative test and i got 90%!

We were let out five minutes early, so we could make it back to our lockers. I talked to Rachael over and over again about the awaiting phone interview, and she promised me that everything would be ok. How right she was. I drove home in the car with Luke and he told me all about his CAD project, he has to start all again. Also, his Ruben and Leo escaped last night, they went for a wonder down to the wetlands and came home covered in mud and looking very guilty!

Wishing me luck, Luke and Denise said goodbye as we pulled up my drive way. I raced inside, setting out my desk, awaiting the phonecall. I ate a green jellybean and then before i knew it i was on the phone, half way through my interview. All of a sudden it was over and the feeling swept over me, the most amazing feeling. I am going to do it, away i will fly and i will live the life of a Japanese student for three whole months.

That was the day of Melissa Marseille Ryan on the 20th of October 2006.