Rachel Williams's First Day at Portland Public School (Winter 2013) Event
Rachel Williams’s first day at Portland public school marked Rachel’s transition from home education to public school after her family’s winter-2013 move from Sunnyvale, California, to Portland, Oregon. A teacher assigned Zoey Thomas to help Rachel become oriented. Zoey walked with Rachel between classes and invited her to eat lunch with Gabe Brooks and Darren Ross, beginning Rachel’s place in their peer group.
Background
Rachel had learned at home with a private tutor through elementary school and part of middle school. She strongly resisted her father Jon’s proposal that she try public school after his Intel transfer moved the family to Portland. Rachel entered the school at approximately eleven or twelve. She was autistic, had an IQ in the 140s, and spoke in a formal, rigid manner.
Jon prepared a printed map of the school, attached Rachel’s schedule, and highlighted her route through the building. Rachel carried it during her first day.
First Classes
Rachel’s first class was honors English. When the teacher asked Zoey to help the new student become comfortable, Zoey offered to walk Rachel to her next class even though Rachel already had the prepared map. Rachel accepted. During their walk, she told Zoey that her family had moved from Sunnyvale because of her father’s job transfer and that she did not prefer Portland’s colder, rainier weather.
In mathematics, Rachel answered a multi-step algebra problem quickly and explained each stage precisely. Her notes were carefully aligned and organized without cross-outs. Her performance established her as an academic peer to Zoey, who was accustomed to being the strongest student in the room.
Lunch and Introductions
Zoey invited Rachel to join her usual lunch table despite Rachel’s concern about the cafeteria’s noise. Rachel introduced herself to Darren and Gabe and explained the family’s move. Gabe then asked why she spoke so formally, prompting Zoey to kick him under the table.
Rachel answered him directly:
“I have Asperger’s syndrome. It is a form of autism. One of the characteristics is atypical speech patterns. I am aware that I sound different from other people my age. I do not know how to change it, and I am not certain I would want to if I could.”
Gabe accepted the explanation. Rachel told him, “Thank you for asking. Most people do not ask. They simply stare or make assumptions.” She remained at the table for the rest of lunch and accepted Zoey’s invitation to return the next day.
As Gabe left, he called, “Later, California.” The nickname began that day and remained part of his relationship with Rachel.
Long-Term Consequences
Rachel’s first day began her friendship with Zoey and placed her within Zoey, Darren, and Gabe’s social group. Rachel and Gabe remained friends for approximately three years before beginning a romantic relationship in high school and later marrying.