A Choice's

Turns out

The first day Salsa has officially become a santri in a boarding school that looks very simple, but behind the simplicity that is revealed there is a lot of knowledge that can be obtained.

Pesantren "Pelita Ilmu", that's his name. This pesantren expects the students and students to be a light in the dark, a place that can illuminate all sides with the provision of knowledge they get.

Salsa came to school with Fifi's mother because Salsa was in his wife's village, indeed since they came from his hometown he had never met his in-laws. So when there is time to take the time to come there.

With the green and white clothes worn on the day she first entered, Salsa was reminded of the school in her hometown, where her clothes were almost the same as the clothes used now. Green skirt, white shirt, and green hijab that match the color of the skirt.

The distance from school to Fifi's mother's house is only 300-400 meters. The distance is very close for Salsa compared to the distance of the school in his village. Indeed, this time Salsa many compare between his new school with the school in his village.

"Son, we're going to school in a rickshaw, right?". asked Fifi's mother to Salsa, who seemed to be busy fixing her clothes.

"Ooh yes ma'am, we'll ride the rickshaw so we can get there quickly". She answered while trying to wear her school hijab.

"Well, let's get ready for school so we're not late". Take Fifi's mother who is also preparing to drop her off.

"Yes Ma'am".salsa replied briefly then accelerated her steps towards the highway to wait for a passing rickshaw.

When it reached the front gate of the school, according to Salsa there are many differences between the school in the village and the school here, one of which is the difference between the distance, according to Salsa, the problem of time if in his village can come at 8:15 and only enter at 8:30, in contrast to the new place that the students and students must come before the clock shows 7:45. It means there's a difference of one hour. He must wake up early and must be early to prepare for school.

This pesantren not only accommodates santriwati, but there are also santri who live one roof but do not mix. It looks very soothing when seeing the students walking with books or books to prepare for their studies.

Salsa was amazed at the people around her who were busy with reading and teaching when her subject teacher had not yet arrived. Not much he saw because he was still awkward and embarrassed.just a glance he looked around him.

The class that will be the place where Salsa feels the most end and farthest but very close to the Blessed Canteen which is located only 50 meters. He looked at every class he passed. Some noticed Salsa whispering to other friends. I don't know what they whispered.

"Assalamu'alaikum mother". Sapa one of the students who was at the door.

"Wa'alaikumussalam warohmatullah, it's been this hour you guys why haven't you entered? whose teacher?".

"Not yet ma'am, who entered the day of Laila's mother's mother, he said he was sick again ma'am". replied another santriwati.

Indeed, Laila's mother, a history teacher who teaches at the school, has often been sick because of the age factor that is no longer young. He served in school for more than 20 years, since he was 27 years old, the most patient and diligent teacher Fifi's mother had ever told Salsa at that time.

"Ooh oh Allah. Have you guys seen him or not?".

"Yes you have learned each one first, later if there is something you do not understand can ask Laila's mother or your other teachers".

"Yes Mom. Who is this Mom?". asked the others out of curiosity with Salsa who stood beside Fifi's mother and just kept quiet.

"Oh this is Salsa. He just entered today, you take care of Salsa's sister well, he came all the way from his village to study. so you must love your sister Salsa often so that she does not feel alone and learn the spirit ". Ibu Fifi left Salsa in her class which is already in class 9 MTs.

"Hi sister Salsa. the name of Safira's brother, you can call brother Fira". There was one voice that introduced her name by throwing her sweet smile, Fira her name. She is a beautiful, friendly, smart student and quite active and easy to get along with people she has just seen.

Salsa simply smiled and lowered her head without saying any sign she still felt ashamed and the faces that were in front of her at this moment still felt unfamiliar to her.

"inshaa Allah Buu". They answered in unison and slightly bowed his body a sign of respect for their teacher.

"Yes, the mother to Salsa class first, you guys have a good time studying and do not forget to pray first". Fifi's mother said goodbye to those who were still standing and saw Salsa. like to ask her many things.

Arrive at the class that will be the place of Salsa for approximately a year, namely class 7 MTs. When Salsa and Fifi's mother were in front of the classroom door, the voice that had previously clashed with a little shouting, some were singing, some were just sitting and telling stories with other friends, it instantly became silent and turned into looking at each other.

"Assalamu'alaikum son". Fifi's mother said when she entered the classroom followed by Salsa.

"Wa'alaikumussalam Bu". Answer them simultaneously and fix his sitting position.

"Include this Salsa your new friend, she's Ilham's nephew, have you ever been taught by Mr Ilham?". Ask Fifi's mom.

"But, sir, Ilham is an English teacher".

"Yep. Mr. Insham your English teacher, well now Salsa is your friend and you must learn together with Salsa".

In addition to the 9th grade passed earlier, all classes have no teachers, as well as the 7th class that has no teachers because they are holding meetings between teachers and builders who are in the cottage environment. Meeting about the state of some incomplete class facilities .

"You tell the homeroom teacher that there's a new santriwati coming in so Salsa will be added in your absence".

"Yes ma'am, I will tell the homeroom teacher if there is a new santriwati" said a child who from earlier looking at Salsa, seems to be impatient to get acquainted with Salsa.

after taking Salsa to class, Fifi's mother came out and resumed her other activities. fifi's mother said goodbye to her classmates and did not forget to encourage Salsa the new student who was still jaim in front of her new friends.