first grade

i remember that the first grade was a year of firsts for me. it was the first time i went to first grade. it was the first time i realized i could actually read after feeling ashamed at the fact that the first word i'd ever learned to spell was "pig." it was the year when i watched a family member paint their nails for the first time and had a fit because i couldn't stand it. it was the year i started chasing said family member and her nail-painting friends during recess because i hated them for doing it. they stopped after that. first grade was the time i was tricked into cussing by a few kids who told on me because i was cussing. that was the moment i stood up for myself and told the teacher the truth. during the winter, i didn't have anyone watching my every move as i ate the snow and almost took in a worm. i learned how to climb evergreens that year and found out i was pretty good at hide-and-seek. i joined a club called "i hate (the people who tricked me into cussing)" and tried really hard not to kick sand in their faces. it was the year i first met the cicadas and watched them with avid interest. at this time, i learned how to draw stick people and be proud of myself. i had a taco for the first time and learned spanish numbers. i watched my sister licking the bottom of her shoe after she'd stepped on a worm. i realized i hated being referred to as "the other twin" or "hey, it's that asian twin who has that funny accent." that was the year for change.