June 3rd 2024

 Looking back on it.... this is exactly what my grade 6 teacher Mrs. Quenette thought of me.

I remember this story. It's a random piece of the past but a history lesson that the scenario plays upon.

It was my first week of Jr High School. Two months prior I had left Principal Sparling elementary school. Mrs Quenette being my grade 6 teacher.

At that time, the beginning of my grade 7, was a rather overwhelming week being introduced to new classmates and teachers and an environment that wasn't familiar all added up.

My heart wasn't where I wanted it to be. I needed to reset myself and I was scared about not fitting into the Jr High vibe. Visiting Mrs. Quenette popped in my mind. I thought about paying her a visit that same early September.

So I did...

I went by myself.

I saw Mrs.Quenette.

I'll never forget what she said to me. She said, Marco, they're going to eat you alive.

I didn't know how to react to such a statement. I felt what she expressed and what she said (still is... hard wired in my brain.) I couldn't help but know at that precise moment, that what I knew - (she knew). Mrs. Quenette saw right through me. She knew I was scared. She knew I sought refuge. She knew I wanted to come back and not go back.

But I never forgot those words. What I could process at that moment - I had to. I knew what she meant. I needed to gather courage....

And away - away I went. - Marco

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