Blog 6: Catch Her in the Oatmeal

When I moved to Woodcliff Lake six years ago, I was so excited about all of the new people and experiences I would enjoy. Woodcliff Lake is a little bit to far for me to have seen my old friends frequently and our schedules became so different. However, soon after moving here, I sensed that making new friends in fourth grade was not going to be as easy as I thought. Most of the people knew each other since preschool and all of the families were quite close. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised because I was close will all my friends for a long time before I moved here. It was only difficult for me. Both my mom and brother had a hard time settling in as well. The only person that seemed unaffected was my father, and that's because he still went to work in the same place everyday.

By nature, I am not a very outgoing person. I like to be around people and make new friends, but I am very cautious. Maybe the other kids felt that characteristic about me. I also enjoy time alone with myself to read and listen to music and be with my family. In time, my situation improved, but deep in my heart, I am not sure the move was best for me socially. Last week, I went to a college fair with hundreds of colleges represented and I bumped into so many of my friends from the old neighborhood. It was so good to see them. I can't believe how much we've all grown. Once I start driving, I know it will be easier to get together with some of my old friends more frequently.

I know I attend a fabulous high school, the groups that were close in fourth grade when I moved in are still together. I guess cliques are apart of every society, which includes schools. It is quite interesting to sit back and see all of the dynamics over time.