My Life as a Unicorn
By Patty Belden
I couldn’t wait to get off the school bus. The thirty minute ride was beginning to seem like a lifetime and I was bursting at the seams to share my good news. It was 1987 and I was finishing my first week of first grade at St. Anthony’s Catholic School. The sun was hot and my knee was stinging from a kickball mishap during morning recess. My white uniform shirt was stained with chocolate milk and my perfect pigtails were no longer perfect. My late arrival to the bus had forced me to share a seat with a fourth grader. This particular situation would usually fill me with anxiety causing me to slouch in my seat, tightly hug my backpack and pray she wouldn’t speak to me. Fourth graders were cool and tough and talked about things that I didn’t understand. My sister was in fourth grade that year. I never understood her phone conversations with her other fourth grade friends. And of course I never stood a chance of learning anything because she was quick to slam her bedroom door when I would try to eavesdrop.
Today was different though and none of those things mattered. I might as well have been sitting next to a kindergartener. I was sitting straight, confident, and smiling at the big news I was holding inside. Nothing could bring me down today, because today I had become a Unicorn!
I flew off the bus and darted through the yard. When did our yard get so big? The front door seems miles not yards away. I burst through the door and screamed for my mom. She must have mistaken my thrill for distress as she ran to my side, gathered my cheeks in her hands and asked if I was okay. I thought to myself, of course I’m ok. I am better than ok, I am GREAT. I am a Unicorn! The words rolled off my tongue so naturally, “I’m a Unicorn!”. I couldn’t wait for her reaction. Silence combined with a strange look and polite smile was all I got.
Eventually my mother came to understand my life as a Unicorn. She was very proud and encouraging. I realize now that a little explanation would have resulted in a more enthused reaction…the “Unicorns” were the advanced-level reading group for St. Anthony’s first grade class.
My passion for reading has carried on into my adult life and I can’t imagine life with out a good book. I have to credit those supportive adults in my life who offered constant encouragement and made reading exciting. As a tutor at Brooklawn Child & Family Services, I am able to share my love for reading with a child who may not otherwise receive that extra support.
Are you passionate about reading, writing, or education in general? Check out Metro United Way’s website for education-focused volunteer opportunities in our community.