Self realization

When I was in Grade 7, I became self aware. For some that might seem a tad late, but I can remember the EXACT moment I was sentient.

Social class, learning the countries that make up the U.S.S.R. If you're really young, we call it 'Russia' now. But back in my day it was the focal point of our lives. I can't say as I was scared of the USSR, but more 'optimistic', focused. We knew who the 'bad guy' was and what we were going to do. Well, not what WE were going to do, but what the Americans were going to do.

Americans were heroes. I knew where I fit in, I was a Canadian shielded by our heroes to the south from the big bad Russians.

Things have changed.