Crystal, loved hearing your story! I remember when I moved schools and the teacher asked me if I needed to be in an ESL (English as a Second Language) class and I looked at mum like "huh? What's that?" and she was like uh...no. He'd been speaking to me for over 30 minutes too.
I know what you mean about the weird looks. Now that I am older, people seem to assume mum and I are "involved". I've found that particularly because I am an affectionate person I always link arms with mum it does get strange looks sometimes!
I think all kids get teased at some point, I know I did, and I'm sure I would've been teased even if I wasn't in the minority being dark-skinned.
Great to hear from someone else "like me" and particuarly hearing from someone in Australia! I mean it's great to hear from others who reside outside of Oz, but it's interesting to hear stories from your end of the world, if that makes sense.
Keep in touch!