New Roads Lead to New Places

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 7^th 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.