The passage describes a student's experience on their first day at a new vocational high school. They felt nervous arriving at the new school and in their classroom where they didn't know anyone. They were asked to introduce themselves in front of the class, which made their heart beat fast from worry. However, after giving their introduction and answering classmates' questions, they began to feel less nervous. By the end of the day, they had made some friends and realized that a new environment is not always scary as long as one is willing to leave their comfort zone.

1. I. Look at the following pictures. How do
situations like these make you feel? Check
(✓) the one(s) that may make you feel
uncomfortable.

2. II. Why do you feel uncomfortable in some of
these situations? Use the following sentence to
share your reason(s) with your classmates.
I feel uncomfortable when I _____________
because ___________________________.

3. The First-Day Blues
For many people, first days are scary. I
remember I was worried when I arrived at my
new vocational high school. Some first-year
students were getting off the bus.
I began to feel nervous and
quickly entered my classroom.

4. Many of my classmates were sitting
there, but I did not know anyone. I said hello to
the boy next to me. He looked shy and just
said, “Hi.” We did not say anything more and
just sat quietly. After a while, our teacher
walked into the classroom. She looked very
serious, and I felt a little more uncomfortable.

5. Then she said, “Good morning! I want
each of you to come to the front to introduce
yourself.” I began to worry. I did not want to
make a speech in front of so many strangers!
Soon it was my turn. My heart beat fast as I
walked to the front of the classroom. At first, I
could not speak. …

6. …My classmates all stared at me. “I can do
this. I will do this!” I said to myself. Finally, I
found the courage to start talking. I decided to
take a risk. I talked about my family, hobbies,
and plans for the future. Then, some of my
classmates asked me questions. I became
less nervous because they were friendly to
me.

7. After class, a classmate came up to me.
He smiled at me. “Would you like to join the
school dance club with me?” he asked. I
accepted his invitation.
After my successful speech,
I was no longer afraid to try
new things in my new school.

8. During the rest of the day, I talked to
more of the students in my new school. Most
of them were very nice. Thus, I felt much more
relaxed because I was already starting to
make friends.

9. At the end of that day, I realized that a
new environment is not always so scary.
People can survive and learn new things as
long as they are willing to leave their comfort
zones.
Now, are you ready to step out of yours?

10. At the end of that day, I realized that a
new environment is not always so scary.
People can survive and learn new things as
long as they are willing to leave their comfort
zones.
Now, are you ready to step out of yours?