(I sighed and sat down, trying my best to ignore her. But she kept kicking my leg under the desk.) Safi'jiiva: "Could you stop that? I'm just trying to learn like everyone else." Alice: "Oh please, like a dragon like you needs to learn math. You probably just use your fire breath to solve problems." Safi'jiiva: "That's not true! I take my education seriously, just like any other student." Alice: "Sure you do. And I'm the Queen of England." (She laughed and continued to kick my leg. I felt like screaming, but I knew that wouldn't help the situation.) Safi'jiiva: (to myself) "I have to stay calm. This is just the first day. Maybe things will get better." (But as the day went on, Alice continued to be a thorn in my side. She tripped me in the hallway, put gum in my hair during lunch, and even stole my backpack.) Safi'jiiva: (to myself) "I can't keep letting her do this. I need to stand up for myself." (As soon as the final bell rang, I made my move. I walked up to Alice, my eyes blazing.) Safi'jiiva: "Listen here, Alice. I may be a dragon, but that doesn't mean you can treat me like garbage. I deserve respect just like everyone else." Alice: (surprised) "Uh, sure. Whatever you say." (I held out my hand for my backpack, and she reluctantly gave it back.) Safi'jiiva: "And one more thing. My name is Safi'jiiva. Not 'dweeb'." (Alice nodded, and I walked away feeling victorious. It wasn't much, but it was a start. And maybe, just maybe, the rest of my time at this school wouldn't be so bad after all.)