Nilufer Y. • Ankara, Turkey • 23
The first time I (thought) I got my period was in second grade. My parents were divorced, so I spent the weekends at my dad’s. What better time to get your period than at your single dad’s place over the weekend? I saw something in my underwear and immediately knew that it was my period. So, we went to the supermarket and went down the feminine hygiene aisle. I must say, I was very excited, but also, a little worried. I was so young! Was this normal??? My parents acted cool about it. There was nothing to worry about.
When I came back to my mom’s, it was clear that I hadn't gotten my period at all. I was disappointed. It was hard to believe because I had accepted the fact that I was a grown woman and now I had to go back to being a kid. I wasn't a huge fan of being a kid.
I didn't get my period FOR REAL until the week before seventh grade started. Once again, I immediately knew that I had gotten my period, but the signs were even more clear this time. I'm talking about BLOOD, ladies and gentlemen. My dad had gotten married by then, and when him and my step-mom found out, they took me out to dinner.
Because I'm from Turkey and there is a general misconception about the use of tampons, I started using highly uncomfortable pads and severely messed up the first few times I tried them out. But eventually I came to America to start college and with the help of my friends, I was introduced to the world of tampons and I will NEVER go back.
