modify Behavior 1

Nervousness coursed through Benjamin's veins as he walked through those halls on his first day at a new school. He felt a mix of emotions, excitement and nervousness, but this year, something in Billy's heart told him it was going to be different.

"I'm already starting to feel nervous," he muttered to himself as he took a deep breath and stepped forward.

As he navigated through the crowd, he couldn't help but notice everyone staring at him. He started sweating profusely.

"I've got to get to the office for my schedule," he thought, his head down and still nervous. Unfortunately, he accidentally bumped into a student.

"Oh! I'm sorry," he said.

"It's okay; it was just an accident," the student replied while trying to pick up her things.

"Let me help you with that," Benjamin offered.

"No, I got it," she replied.

"No, it was my fault. Let me help," he insisted.

"I said I got it!" she said angrily.

She stood up after picking up her things, looking at him with surprise, her cheeks turning red.

"Hey, are you okay?" he asked.

"Yee-ah, I'm... I'm oo-kay. Than-k you," she said, stuttering.

"Okay," he responded.

He continued walking towards the office, with other students starting to stare, which made him feel nervous again. Finally, he arrived at the main office.

"Hi, do you know where I can find my first period? Today's my first day," Benjamin asked.

"Oh yes, you must be the new student the principal was talking about. You need to go to the principal's office; he'll know what to do."

"I don't know where the principal's office is, though," he responded.

"Okay, wait a second, I'll get someone to escort you," she said.

She called someone on the phone, and it rang twice before someone answered it.

"Hello, Mrs. Walton, it's Gwen from the main office. I need someone to escort a new student to the principal's office. What's his name? Okay."

"What's your name?" she asked.

"It's Benjamin," he responded.

"His name is Benjamin. Okay, thank Mrs. Walton."

"The escort is going to be here in a second. You can take a seat right there," she said.

"Okay," Benjamin responded.

He looked around the room and noticed a bunch of boxing pictures. Not surprisingly, he saw Liston among them, but he couldn't help but ask.

"Hey, Ma'am, why does the school have a lot of boxing pictures up there?" Benjamin asked.

"Well, this school is sponsored by a boxing champion, and we have a boxing team here. I heard they were recruiting students to join."

Benjamin's face lit up with excitement. He had always dreamed of being in the ring.

The door opened, and a student came in.

"Hello, Ms. Gwen, I'm here to escort the new student," the student said.

"He's over there," she responded.

"Hey," Benjamin said.

She turned around, and to his surprise, it was the girl he had bumped into before.

"It's you," she said.

"So you're already acquainted," Ms. Gwen said.

"Well, we've kind of met," Benjamin replied, trying to hide his embarrassment. He couldn't help but notice that the girl's anger seemed to have dissipated, replaced by a hint of curiosity.

The student who had come to escort Benjamin, whose name was Zoe, offered a friendly smile. "I'm sorry about earlier. It was my fault too; I wasn't watching where I was going."

Benjamin smiled back, relieved by the change in her attitude. "No worries. Accidents happen."

Ms. Gwen interrupted the conversation, "Great! Now that you two are acquainted, Zoe will show you the way to the principal's office, Benjamin."

Zoe nodded and gestured for Benjamin to follow her. "Come on, it's not too far from here."

As they walked through the school's corridors together, Zoe started a conversation to ease the tension. "So, where are you from, Benjamin?"

"I just moved here from a small town nearby," he replied. "This is my first time in a big school like this."

Zoe nodded understandingly. "Don't worry; I was new here not too long ago. It can be overwhelming at first, but you'll get used to it. And if you ever need help, don't hesitate to ask."

Benjamin appreciated her kindness. "Thanks, Zoe . That means a lot."

As they reached the principal's office, Zoe knocked on the door and waited for a response. A voice from inside called them in, and they entered to find the principal, a friendly-looking woman, sitting behind her desk.

"Principal Schultz, this is Benjamin, the new student," Sarah introduced him.

"Zoe , thank you for your help. You may return to your classes now."

Zoe nodded and smiled at Benjamin. "I hope you have a great first day, Benjamin. If you need anything, you know where to find me."

"Thank you, Zoe," Benjamin said gratefully.