Sarah H • South Africa • 20
I started my period when I was 12 years old and living in South Africa. At that time I hadn’t yet received much education about menstruation, I just had heard that it could come any day. One day I got home from school and realized I had started my period. I wasn't exactly sure what it was so I felt embarrassed and uncomfortable, I hardly talked to my mom or anyone else about it.
The day after I started my period I went on a 5-day school camping trip. I remember not knowing what to bring or how long it was going to last so I definitely did not prepare enough. Shortly into the trip, everyone found out and started to avoid me. I was so ashamed, all I wanted to do was go home but the camp was hours away.
Luckily the teachers had some pads for me to use and they made me feel a little better about the situation but still didn’t explain much to me. They ended up telling all the kids that I didn’t actually start my period even though everyone knew I did, so it was like this weird secret and people would talk behind my back about it.
So I didn't have the best experience but I am sharing my story to encourage everyone to talk openly about menstruation so that young girls don’t feel shame and confusion that I did. We are all in this together and your period shouldn’t be scary.
