Chapter 3 (Level 1): Jessica’s Adventures in Marrakech

As Monday morning arrived, I could feel a mix of excitement and nervousness bubbling inside me. It was my first day at a Moroccan school, and I wanted everything to go smoothly. I carefully selected my school books and made sure I had all the necessary supplies. My mom drove us to the school, and as we approached the gate, I noticed the teachers standing there, warmly greeting each student with smiles on their faces. The atmosphere was buzzing with anticipation, and it made me feel welcomed right away.

Following a sign that led us to the administration area, we were met by a friendly lady who was expecting us. She greeted my mom with kindness and assured her that she would guide us to our respective classrooms. It was comforting to know that there was someone there to help us navigate this new environment. We started with my little brother Jacob’s class, and as we walked through the corridors, I couldn’t help but marvel at the architecture of the school.

The school’s architecture amazed me as I walked along its hallways. The buildings were a stunning display of Moroccan artistry and design. Elaborate patterns and vibrant colors decorated the walls, telling stories of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Everywhere I looked, there was a touch of the reddish color that gave Marrakech the nickname “the Red City.” It was a striking contrast to the simple and uniform structures I was familiar with back in the UK. The unique beauty of the school’s architecture sparked my curiosity and filled me with excitement for the new experiences that awaited me. As I explored the corridors, I couldn’t help but anticipate the friendships, knowledge, and adventures that would unfold in this extraordinary environment.

We arrive in a classroom, and the lady opened the door. The students turned their heads to see who had entered, and the teacher paused his lesson to greet us. The lady gestured for me to find a seat, gave me a tap in the shoulder and left. I spotted an empty table next to a friendly-looking boy. I sat down, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. It was a math class, and the teacher, Mr. Mourad, welcomed me with a warm smile. He asked me to introduce myself to the class, and I mustered the courage to share a few details about myself.

The lesson began, but as the minutes passed, I found myself struggling to understand. Even though the class was conducted in English, which I was familiar with, the concepts and calculations seemed unfamiliar and advanced. Feeling a bit overwhelmed, I turned to the boy next to me, Ayoub, hoping he could help. I told him about my difficulty in comprehending the lesson. Ayoub, being kind and supportive, suggested that I approach the teacher for assistance. With his encouragement, I raised my hand and catch Mr. Mourad’s attention.

The teacher approached my desk, and I explained my problem. He asked me a few questions about the math topics I had studied in the UK, trying to evaluate my level of understanding. After our discussion, he concluded that the mathematics taught in the Moroccan school was slightly more advanced compared to what I had learned previously. It was a bit disheartening to realize the gap in my knowledge, especially when Mr. Mourad told me that I had to find a solution quickly as the midterm exam is in two weeks. 

During the break, my classmates kindly invited me to join them, and I eagerly accepted their invitation. They introduced themselves with warm smiles, and I quickly learned that our little group consisted of Noah, a friendly boy from the US, Ayoub, my math class buddy, Svetlana, a kind-hearted girl from Russia, and Arij, a thoughtful classmate. It was amazing to see the cultural diversity within our international school, and I was fascinated by the fact that we had all developed a bond despite our different backgrounds.

As we sat together and chatted, exchanging stories and experiences, I marveled at the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that our group represented. We shared laughs, exchanged ideas, and appreciated the unique perspectives each of us brought to the table. It was a beautiful reminder that friendship knows no boundaries and that we could learn so much from one another’s backgrounds.

As we immersed ourselves in conversation, Svetlana had a brilliant idea. She suggested that we should all go on the school excursion to Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. The excitement rippled through me at the thought of exploring a new city with my newfound friends. I couldn’t help but agree wholeheartedly with Svetlana’s suggestion. It was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our bond, discover new places together, and create lasting memories. I felt grateful to be part of such a welcoming and diverse community at our school, where friendship and cultural exchange were celebrated.

As I returned home, my heart was brimming with excitement to share my first day at school with my parents. They greeted me eagerly, and I could see the genuine happiness in their eyes. I couldn’t wait to tell them all about the new friends I had made and the upcoming school excursion to Rabat.

I began recounting the details of my day, describing the friendly atmosphere in the classroom and the warm welcome I received from my classmates. My parents listened attentively, their smiles growing wider with each passing moment. They were genuinely happy for me and thrilled to hear about my positive experiences at the international school.

When I mentioned the math problem I encountered during the class, my parents reassured me that it was completely normal to face challenges in a new academic environment. They encouraged me not to worry and reminded me of my ability to adapt. Their words of support gave me a boost of confidence, reminding me that I could overcome any obstacles that came my way.

As I concluded my tale, I shared the exciting news about the school excursion to Rabat. Their eyes sparkled with excitement, mirroring my own. They wholeheartedly supported my decision to participate in the excursion, understanding the immense value of such experiences in broadening my horizons and creating lasting memories. Their support filled me with gratitude and reinforced my belief that I was truly fortunate to have such wonderful parents by my side.

With their encouragement and enthusiasm, I felt ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that awaited me at school. Their love and support were the pillars that would guide me through this new chapter of my life, and I was eager to continue making the most of my education and the amazing friendships I had forged along the way.