It's the first day of school and I can't help but

think what my classmates are going to

think of me because I look so

different than them.

From my blown up body, to my spikes, and my big lips, I just don't fit in.

As I was about to leave, my Dad was there to send me off.

"Son, always remember what your mother and I have told you. You were born to stand out!"

"But dad...What if the other fish make fun of me? What if no one talks to me? What if..."

"Son, be the fish that we have taught you to be and they will love you just like we do."

Next thing you know, I was on my way.

As I was swimming to school I just kept saying out loud to myself, it's okay to be different, you were born to stand out... it's okay to be different, you were born to stand out...

"Good Morning class and welcome to your first day of school! I am Mrs. Ocho and I am so excited to be your teacher this year. To begin class, you guys will have 10 minutes to go around and introduce yourselves to each other and get to know one another. Read Get Set Go!"

I thought to myself, Finn actually likes my spikes? I guess they aren't too bad after all.

"Hi! My name is Bubba.

What's your name?"

"Hi Bubba! My name is Finn. I really like your spikes, I wish I had some like that!"

"Hi I'm Bubbles! I wish I looked as strong and big as you. How did you get like that?"

I thought to myself, Finn likes my spikes, and Bubbles thinks I look strong and big? I guess having spikes and being puffed up isn't too bad after all.

"Thank you Bubbles. I'm Bubba! I was actually just born like this. I never really liked how much I stood out. You really do like the way I look?"

"Hi my name is Bubba! I love your feather fins, they are quite beautiful."

"Thank you Bubba! I'm Finley! I've never really liked them because it made me look so different."

Then it hit me. What did momma and

dada always tell about being different...