Alex G. • BC, Canada • 28
I had just turned 10 years old and luckily, it happened right after the girls had the period talk in Grade 5, so I knew what was happening. I went to the bathroom during class and looked down at my underwear and saw red.
At first, I was shocked. Then I realized what was happening and I was like "fuck, this is my life now." The school nurse was kind and gave me a pad, but then everyone found out and teased me about it at recess.
I remember getting home and telling my mom. She was absolutely shocked that I got it so early and felt so bad for me.
It breaks my heart that a little 10-year-old Alex went through puberty so young, especially when I teach that age now and see how difficult it can be. It seems like such an adult thing to deal with when you’re still a child and playing hopscotch during recess.
