A few weeks before Valentine’s Day, the students were told to make the boxes in which we would put our Valentine’s gifts. The day finally arrived. Each student put the box they had made on Mrs. Toalson’s desk. One box had the word “I love you, basketball” written on it. Another box looked like a mailbox, whilst another box was in the shape of a dolphin. Mine was a pink piggy box with “Happy Valentine’s Day” written on it. There was even a heart-shaped cake on Mrs. Toalson’s desk.

　　Mrs. Toalson handed out pieces of paper. I wondered why. She then told us to vote for the “most beautiful box,” the “coolest box” and “the most colorful boxes." The winners would be awarded certificates. After we voted, Mrs. Toalson asked us to collect our boxes and take out the gifts we had for our friends. She also took out a bag of gifts for us.

　　“Come here, Mary, this is for you, I hope you will like it,” she said as she called me to her desk and handed me three candies and a Valentine’s Day card.

　　“Thank you so much Mrs. Toalson,” I replied with a smile.

　　All the students exchanged their gifts. I gave out shells from my hometown in China. Everyone loved them as they were so different. I was thrilled with all the gifts I had received: cards, bookmarks, pencils and chocolates. My friend Aniqa had written me a letter saying how glad she was that I was a part of the class.

　　Lastly, Mrs. Toalson handed out the certificates for the winners of the best boxes. Everyone waited in anticipation. “The cutest box is Mary’s pink piggy,” Mrs. Toalson announced. Wow, I was one of the winners! As I received my certificate from Mrs. Toalson, she gave me a great big hug for my first Valentine’s Day.