I stood momentarily in front of the closed door. I had finally built up the confidence to open it, and I almost did.
       “Open the door.” the perky woman almost cheered behind me. 
      I turned around and made a face then opened the door to the computer lab. I walked through the cold classroom, all eyes on me. I balled my hands into fists, getting more and more nervous with each step. In an instant every bad thing that could happen flashed before me.
     What if no one likes me? What if I don’t make friends? What if I fail the 8th grade (keep in mind it was the beginning of the year)?? I heard someone snicker and assumed it was about me. I sat at computer 27 as the teacher had instructed. She set up my account on the school site, ST Math.
           I completed multiple math related puzzles not really paying attention to them.
I glanced around the room at several faces concentrated on computer screens. The teacher of this class started to talk, her voice was high pitched and somewhat annoying. Of course then I didn't know she would end up being one of my favorite teachers, I couldn't know.
              My next class was Social Studies, Mr.K. I followed behind the girl in front of me listening to ‘Beat It’, by Michael Jackson. It was playing through the intercom, music instead of bells. His class passed in a blur, at the end of the period all I could remember was how he talked like a spokesperson. That year (for the next few months) he gave me detention every it looked like I was talking. Him being white and me being black, I assumed he was racist. I was 100% sure that I would fail his class. He ( a lot like the computer lab teacher with the annoying voice)  became one of my favorite teachers and I left his class with an ‘A’... as soon as I learned to shut up.
      Next, Ms. L … I actually never had anything against her, I liked her from the first time she’d ever talked to me. Sadly that lasted for about three weeks. Ms. L was moving, she was replaced with Ms. S.
     I sat slouched down in my chair, annoyed by this entire lesson (on what, I do not remember).
     “Sit up, Veronica.” Ms. S said.  I remember then I swore to God, she didn't like me. She was always so much harder on me than other kids.
      I copied my notes off of the board, everywhere around me someone was whispering about something.
   I looked over at my best friend Vanessa (you’ll hear more about her soon), “Did you do your homework?” I asked.
     But, before she could answer.. “ Veronica that’s one, we’re not talking.” She said writing on her clipboard.
      WAS SHE SERIOUSLY SERIOUS!!!!!
   For the rest of her class, I slouched with my arms crossed, probably resembling a two year old that just threw a tantrum. At the end of the period, she stopped me from walking to my next class.
     “What is up with you?” she asked.
   “Nothing, you just don’t like me.” I mumbled.
   “How could you think I don’t like you? I’m harder on you because I know you can be better.”  she paused and handed me a packet, even now I remember what it was. An entry form for an essay contest, first prize a 1,000 dollar gift card to Best Buy. I didn't enter because the topic was lame (Why is education important  to you?), but it meant so much that she gave it to me.
    “Stop talking in my class.” she said and I didn't notice until she closed the door that I was standing in the hallway. Thus, she was added to the most wonderful list of favorite teachers.
   
    If you didn't notice I was super judgmental, and after talking to Ms.L, I decided to change that.
        I am again in the computer lab, the air conditioner pumping. I, too stupid to wear a jacket, was freezing.
   The 8th grade boys and girls were all in the  computer lab. In this very room is where I met the first of my five, wonderful, amazing, friends.
    My line of friends came as followed Vanessa first, we met in the computer lab; Troy, we met in band, back then I had a huge crush on his hair; Lastly Cory and Kevin, I met both of them in band at around the same time.
    These four amazing people are my best friends, friends I wouldn’t have met if I hadn’t stopped being judgmental.