From Rocks to Riches: The Story of My Coral Fossils

Daily writing prompt

What’s the coolest thing you’ve ever found (and kept)?

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The two summers before my first year, the daycare I grew up in relocated to another school. I had always done little things, such as aiding with homework and art projects, but being at a primary school bigger than high school was a daunting experience. The sheer size and unfamiliarity of the new environment were overwhelming. As a result, I found refuge in art projects and games, spending most of my time on these activities while my mother worked.

On one bright, sunny day, everyone was split into groups. The first group played in the gymnasium, while the second played outside. (This is a novel concept for today’s youth.) I was tasked with helping watch the second group. I always wore a black jacket during this stage—raining, shining, or cloudy—to keep the sun’s rays away, but that day I thought I would melt. It was advised that I remove the jacket and play with the children, but back then, my skull was as thick as a goat’s, and my mind was just as stubborn.

Seeking refuge in a shady spot behind the playground equipment, I began my own adventure-digging in the rocks for fossils. By the end of the day, I had half the playground engaged in the hunt for what we called Indian money. In the end, I took home a pocketful of what my science teacher identified as coral fossils. Among them, the most fascinating was a fossil with a star shape in the center. Discovering that it was likely a Petoskey stone or crinoid fossil was a moment of personal growth and learning that made my year.