DJ sat on the edge of his bed, his stomach swirling with little knots of nerves. Today was his first day at Maplewood Elementary, and the thought of meeting new kids made him feel like he had butterflies in his belly. He took a deep breath and glanced at the mirror. "You can do this," he whispered to himself, trying to muster some courage.

As DJ walked up to the school, he noticed the bright banners and the cheerful chatter of children playing. It was a vibrant scene, full of excitement. But still, he felt a bit like an outsider. His feet felt heavy as he walked towards the entrance, clutching his backpack tightly.

Lila, a girl with curly hair and a bright smile, noticed DJ standing by himself. She bounced over with a friendly wave. "Hi! I'm Lila! Are you new here?" she asked with a welcoming grin. DJ nodded, feeling a little less anxious. "Yeah, it's my first day," he admitted. "Don't worry, you'll love it here! Do you want to join us for a game at recess?"

At recess, DJ found himself surrounded by cheerful faces. Omar, a boy with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, came up to him. "Hey, DJ! We're playing tag, and you're it!" he announced, tapping DJ on the shoulder before dashing away. Surprised but thrilled, DJ laughed and joined the chase, his nerves melting away with each step.

Back in the classroom, DJ felt a warmth spreading in his chest. He realized that the other kids were genuinely happy to have him around. As the teacher called for quiet, Lila whispered, "We should hang out after school. What do you think?" DJ nodded eagerly, feeling a sense of belonging.

As the school day ended, DJ walked home with a spring in his step. He no longer felt like the nervous boy from the morning. Instead, he felt excited for the new friendships and adventures that awaited him at Maplewood Elementary. "I can't wait for tomorrow," he thought, already looking forward to another day with his new friends.