The moral of the story, if there is one, is that there can be a happy ending, even in the worst of situations.
My daughter has transferred to a different school district. With apprehensions for everyone involved, she made the leap of faith and angels landed her gracefully on her feet.
After the initial pink cloud feeling of "being the new kid that everyone wanted to befriend" dissipated, after making a new start, free of prejudicial judgements and baggage, she has established herself firmly in her new school, complete with exceptional grades, confidence and some really good friends.
My faith in humanity has been somewhat restored for now, after seeing the way the school district, administration, teachers and in particular the students embraced her and made her feel welcome and special. While I am not naiive enough to believe that every school doesn't have its problems and problem children, I am encouraged by the way her transition was eased by everyone she came in contact with. I had anticipated a long and difficult process of assimilation and we had all prepared for that; however it just was so much more simple than that.
I really can't say why, except that different schools have different makeups and different personalities that seem to reflect pretty accurately the kids that go there. Her new school is much more diverse than where she had been, (socially, economically, racially and otherwise) and differences are recognized AND appreciated. This was in stark contrast to where she was before, where everyone was pretty much the same. Further these kids are actively engaged in learning, and my daughter has really flourished and become quite the student!
She actually loves school now, which is a miracle that I never thought I would see. She wants to go to school! She wants to become involved in the various extracurriculars, wants to just participate in life in general.
What a difference from the child who cried and shuddered at even the thought of getting on the bus, of entering the school building, spending hours in the guidance office rather than face her tormentors.
It is wonderful as a parent to know that you have made the right decision, particularly one as difficult as this one was to make. I am so thrilled and so happy and proud of her, her bravery, her willingness to take a chance, and to bounce back from something so horrible as what she had to endure. This is a life lesson for me, reminding me to trust my gut. If it feels right, do it.
