School is hell for Emily, who feared returning to class

For Emily, returning to school became so frightening that a missed day turned into an entire year. The 14-year-old ultimately missed all of eighth grade, despite Germany’s compulsory education rules.

The problem had begun earlier. Emily often struggled to attend school, but during a holiday in Sicily with her mother and younger brother, she felt relaxed because she did not have to perform or meet academic demands, her mother, Anja Berger, said.

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Because she didn't have to perform or achieve anything.

After returning to Germany, Emily dyed her hair purple-red. A classmate laughed at her on the first day of eighth grade. Emily stayed home the next day. “And then from tomorrow to the day after tomorrow, the whole week, the whole month and then the whole year came from it,” she said.

That was in the autumn two years ago. Her pediatrician signed her off sick without specifying an end date. With help from her parents, teachers and authorities, Emily can now attend school again.

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And then from tomorrow to the day after tomorrow, the whole week, the whole month and then the whole year came from it.