Starting a new school can be a daunting experience for any child, but for me, it marked the beginning of one of my happiest memories. It was 2005, and I was about to embark on a new journey at Regina Coeli Roman Catholic Primary School, where I would begin grade 5. What made this moment particularly special was the presence of both my parents by my side.

I vividly remember the morning of my first day at Regina Coeli. As we walked to the bus stop, my heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Accompanied by my mom and dad, we took a Golden Arrow bus to Athlone. The bus was quite full, we were standing. Tears flowed down my cheeks despite their reassuring smiles and comforting words as we approached the school gates.

Stepping into the classroom, I felt overwhelmed by the unfamiliar faces and surroundings. The language barrier posed a significant challenge, as English was not my first language. I was coming from Encotsheni Primary School, an all-black township school, to a multi-racial environment; I struggled to communicate effectively with my classmates. Whenever someone asked me my name or said something to me, I cried out of frustration and confusion.

However, amidst the initial struggles, a glimmer of happiness shone through. It was the realization that I was experiencing something that I had longed for—the presence of both my parents in a moment of significance. Growing up in a single-parent household, witnessing the unity of a family with both a mother and a father was a rarity for me. I often yearned for that sense of completeness and stability that I saw in my peers' homes. Parent meetings, award evenings, sports days, concerts, all those occasions made me wonder how it feels to have both parents present for important events and life experiences.

As the days passed, I began to adapt to my new environment. With the support of my teachers and classmates, I gradually overcame the language barrier and started to feel more at ease. Each small achievement, whether it was mastering a new English word or making a friend, filled me with a sense of accomplishment and joy.

Looking back, that moment of starting a new school remains etched in my memory as one of the happiest times of my life. It symbolizes a fresh beginning and the presence of my parents during a critical moment in my childhood. Despite the challenges I faced, the love and support of my family carried me through, making the experience all the more meaningful.

Sadly, my dad is no longer with us, having passed away in 2010. Yet, the memories of that day and the time spent together as a family continue to warm my heart.

In hindsight, that day at Regina Coeli Roman Catholic Primary School sums up the essence of happiness amidst adversity. It taught me the importance of embracing challenges and cherishing the moments of love and togetherness, for they remain etched in our hearts long after they have passed.