Sometimes, we all need to let go of old traditions and try something new. Now and then, the new “thing” you try might end up changing your life forever.
Perching on a park bench on a sunny day, Beatrice Blasio, a.k.a. Bibi, recalls the story of how she made the biggest and proudest choice of her life.
Blasio grew up with her parents and younger brother in Rome, Italy. She attended a public school named Farnesina for most of her life. Much to her parents’ dismay, Blasio suddenly decided to take a new route in her life, to have change. She wanted to attend an international school, where she will leave everything behind and start anew. Her parents worried about her. However, they wanted the best for Blasio.
Leaving behind the dear friends that she had known for years, Blasio timidly walked into the doorway of St. George’s British International School on the first day. “What was my first feeling? I gasped. The atmosphere and environment was something I couldn’t have expected,” she said.
“The teachers at the international school were so much more caring. It wasn’t just a student-teacher relationship anymore. It was like family,” Blasio said. “They ask if you’re okay and if you needed to talk. The teachers could tell if you were sad. Students could always go to their teachers after school”.
Not only were the people at the school different, the whole system of her new school was unlike any other. At her old school, Farnesina, she took twelve subjects. Although her new school only required six subjects, it was much more complicated. Everyday, when she came back to school, she was so overwhelmed, yet excited for the next day. Everything was new to her. At her new school, she had to speak English all the time, instead of the usual Italian she always spoke. Always hardworking, believing education is very important in life, she kept pushing herself.
“I used to be a shy girl. It was difficult for me to approach new people and just introduce myself,” she said. “Now, I am able to communicate freely with people in English without being self-conscious. I am more cautious about people and their culture and traditions. I like to listen to other people’s point of view, not just mine. I have learned to accept people and to be open-minded.”
Two weeks ago, she had a ceremony celebrating her two years of hard work. In that room, knowing it was her and her friend’s last moments together, she was very sad. Yet, she was also happy, from all her loved ones being there to support her, to cheer her on. “It was absolutely amazing.” she gushed.
“The quote that I live by is Flangar Non Flectar, meaning never give up, you should always try to overcome any obstacles life throws at you,” Blasio says, smiling. “Also, I take life as it comes, Carpe Diem.”
-- Caroline Zhong
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