Natnael
Aklile
Word
Count: 294 words
Jumping
off the bus on a warm May Friday afternoon, I was ready for my week to be over.
Knowing what Friday meant, I quickly jogged back to my house only thinking of
the entertainment that awaited me. As I entered my house, threw my book bag on
the floor and entered the kitchen. I could hear my dad talking in Amharic on the
phone. My mother was gathering her purse as they prepared to go to a bible
study that they attend every week at my uncle’s. “I’m going to play basketball
at the Korean Church courts and then I’m going to Brian’ house”, I said as I
began going up the stairs. My mother, clearly used to my Friday routine, only
acknowledged with a slight head nod. My father came up the stairs to get his
bible and as he passed my bedroom, casually and seemingly not too hopeful in
his tone, suggested I come with them for the first time. Now being in 7th
grade, my Friday afternoon routine had been consistent for years. Go to the
courts to play basketball and then hang out at my neighbor’s house with a
movie, video games and other friends. I thought to myself, I’ve been waiting
for this afternoon all week (as I usually do), do I really want to give up my
favorite part of the week? After understanding that I would have another Friday
in a week, I decided to go with it. When we arrived, my family went around the
rooms giving our greetings. I went into the basement hesitant, where I met two cousins
that happened to live in our area. Now, because of that Friday afternoon, I
have two older cousins that I confide in and talk to regularly.
The Point: Exiting your comfort
zone and trying new things, even if it seems bleak and uninviting, will always
be a positive experience due to the first hand learning of why that concept or
thing is either right or wrong for you.
