A Kingfisher in a tree of sparrows

 

Can you imagine coming over from a completely different country, starting a new school and not understanding anything that anyone is saying? Not knowing whether they are talking about a video game or if they are sniggering about you.

 

You don’t even understand writing because your alphabet is completely different! You feel like a kingfisher in a tree of sparrows - you just don’t quite belong.

 

Then one day, when you are sitting in the dinner hall all by yourself opposite the ‘cool’ girls gossiping, another girl perches herself next to you. She nervously smiles for a few seconds, and then begins to speak your language! She had gone out of her way to memorise some sentences so that she is able to speak to you.

 

You are overjoyed by this - you are no longer running away from a brutal war but now nearing a friendship. The dark clouds have now turned into blue skies and a beaming sun. This anonymous girl now feels good about herself for building up the courage and goes home with a smile lighting up her face, much like you. She is also armed with the knowledge of now speaking (a bit of) Ukrainian!

 

This is a situation in my school, and I imagine, is the same for quite a lot of schools.

Oh, and quick hint - this anonymous girl loves writing and Red setters, Can you guess who it is?