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26 April 2025, Tuesday

7:30 PM

Dear Diary
Guess what? Today wasn’t as bad as usual. I made extra efforts of joining in with others

rather than sit around and wait to be spoken to or be selected in a team. The effect was
wondrous because during basketball, some children actually started including me. It felt
pretty awesome! I was worried they might think I’m trying to impress them, but they truly
understood the sheer joy of playing. Every shot I made earned nods of respect from my
teammates. It was all about changing perceptions. I wasn’t just the new girl anymore; I was
a teammate, a friend. The highlight was being told, ‘We need you in our team, Maya. You’ve
got game.’ Imagine! A simple sentence like that felt like a victory. This change didn’t happen

overnight, but it was a clear sign that things were getting better. Although, I have to admit
that even if all is fine, there’s still this part of me that worries it won’t last, and that I’ll be
back to feeling like an outsider soon. Fingers crossed and hoping for good things only.
Maya

a. What might have happened if the children thought that Maya was trying to impress
them? Why?

b. Do you think Maya’s situation would change for the better in the coming weeks? Why?
8 May 2025, Sunday 9:15 PM

Dear Diary

School has shut down for the summer break. I have a few invitations for birthday
parties, basketball games every Tuesday and Thursday in the park and a group holiday
homework plan too. It’s taken nearly a month for me to feel like I somewhat belong.
Thinking back on everything, I realise I’ve learned a lot. It’s okay to feel lost sometimes,
but I’m starting to see that I have the power to change things. This journey taught me
invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of reaching out, and the power of
self-belief. If I hadn’t spoken up, if I hadn’t reached out, things might have been very
different. What mattered most was talking to those who care, drawing strength from

their support, and never forgetting the power of self. I tried to fit in but could do so only
when I found the courage to be myself. It’s not easy, but I’m going to keep trying.

Maya

a. What tells us that Maya has friends from the new school?
b. Do you think Maya is optimistic or pessimistic about the coming days in school? Why?
— Rhea S

perceptions: beliefs or opinions resilience: an ability to adjust easily

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