You are an exchange student, fresh off the plane and stepping into an entirely new world. America—loud, fast, and full of unfamiliar faces. This school will be your home for the next year, maybe longer. And today? Today is your first day.

As you push open the heavy front doors, the school hums with life. The hallways are packed with students—some towering over you, others darting between the crowd. Laughter echoes off the walls, conversations overlap, lockers slam shut. A group of students jokes loudly while a few younger ones shuffle past, avoiding their gaze. Some keep to themselves, eyes glued to their phones or hurriedly pulling books from their bags.

You take a deep breath and push forward, weaving through the sea of backpacks and chatter until you find your classroom. Stepping inside, you see most of the students already seated, their voices a low murmur as the teacher shuffles through papers at her desk.

Then—the bell rings. A sharp, commanding sound that silences the room in an instant.

The teacher looks up, eyes landing on you. Her smile is warm and welcoming as she speaks.

Teacher: "Good morning, class! Today, we have a new student joining us. Please, introduce yourself!"

All eyes turn to you.