Fatima's New Adventure

Author: Consuelo Varn

Fatima was a new student who just arrived from the country of Lebanon. Her father was a doctor who took care of children. He was offered a wonderful job working at the Children's Hospital in Dallas, Texas, as a pediatrician.

Although Fatima was excited that her father got a new job, she was not equally excited about going to a new school. She was sad that she left her friends behind and her school that she loved so much, in her beloved Lebanon.

Fatima was shy and didn't like to talk much. She enjoyed playing outside with her friends, but she knew that would all change as soon as she started school in this new country.

"Well, Fatima your first day of school is finally here!", said her mother with excitement in her voice. "I know ˈmämə.". Fatima's mother noticed the worry in her daughter's voice. She sat her down at the dinning room table and fed her breakfast. She always enjoyed eating labneh, eggs, and foul mdammas.

"Fatima", her mother said, "I know you are scared and worried, but this is a wonderful opportunity for you to experience a new adventure. You will make new friends and learn so many new things!" Fatima knew her mother was right, but she was still scared. They left the house to go to her new school.

"Mama, what if they don't like me because I look different? I don't dress like everyone here! No one will want to be my friend!" Fatima's mother noticed her crying.

She held her hand as they stood outside the new school. She hugged her tight and told her not to be afraid.

"Fatima, darling, this world is not made of only one color. Look around you, everything is different. The rainbow has many colors that make it beautiful. Everything on this earth is different and unique in its own way! What if all birds looked the same, every dog, every car, even every person? Being different is nothing to be scared of, but be proud of!"