I was not surprised when I got my period.
Because I used to live abroad,
And they taught us everything about it at school at a young age.
I was at my uncle’s house when I got it.
I was embarrassed and didn’t know what to do.
I told my uncle’s wife.
She congratulated me,
And got me pads.
That was it.
Then my mother and sisters found out,
And it wasn’t a big deal.

I didn’t face any problems until I started going to college.
I had exams during Ramadan,
And I had to fast so no one would bother me.
I normally have low-blood pressure,
And on top of that,
It was hot and I was fasting,
And I had an exam.
It was a bad day.
I would only eat and drink in the bathroom during the first year.
I couldn’t drink water during my exams,
Because I would have to take my water bottle out in front of everyone to go to the bathroom.
I suffered during the first year.
I couldn’t keep this up during the second year.
I had low-blood pressure,
And I couldn’t concentrate on my exams.
I decided to eat and drink as I pleased.

I would have breakfast at home,
And go to college with my water bottle.
I carried it with me all day,
And kept something sweet on me,
So I wouldn’t lose focus from the heat,
And fail the exam.
Everyone looked at me in disdain,
But I didn’t care.
My health was more important.
I kept doing this until I graduated.

My blood pressure usually drops from fasting.
“Make up for the days you didn’t fast later.
Just don’t let yourself feel unwell during the exam.
Break your fast on the day of the exam as a preventive measure,”
My mother told me.
She would wake up in the morning to prepare breakfast and juice for me,
So I could concentrate on my exams.
I’m quite happy with this decision.
No one can judge me but God.
He knows I suffer from low-blood pressure,
And He will surely forgive me.