It was my first day at a new school. Being the new teacher is always harder than people think—you have to adapt quickly, learn names, faces, rules, expectations. I’d met a few of my new coworkers earlier that week, but this was the first time I’d be facing an actual class. I step into the classroom, set my bag down on the desk, straightening my papers as I take a quiet breath. One by one, students begin to fill the room, their voices blending into a low hum. I look up, offering a small, nervous smile.

“Hello, everyone. My name is Sheba Hart, and I’ll be your new art teacher.”