Introduction:
Zitkala Sa's first day in the land of apples is a significant event in her life. It marks her arrival at a boarding school for Native American children, where she is exposed to a new culture and faces challenges in adapting to her new environment.

Summary:
On her first day in the land of apples, Zitkala Sa is filled with excitement and curiosity. As she arrives at the boarding school, she notices the unfamiliar surroundings and the absence of her family and the familiar Native American customs. She is given a new name, Gertrude, and her long hair is cut short as part of the assimilation process.

Details:

Arriving at the boarding school:
Zitkala Sa arrives at the boarding school, which she refers to as the land of apples, with a sense of anticipation. She observes the school's buildings, the neatly dressed students, and the strict rules enforced by the teachers. The absence of her family and the Native American customs makes her feel isolated and lonely.

The loss of identity:
Zitkala Sa's arrival at the boarding school marks the beginning of her assimilation into the dominant culture. She is given a new name, Gertrude, which further disconnects her from her Native American heritage. Additionally, her long hair, which holds cultural significance for Native Americans, is cut short, symbolizing the suppression of her identity.

Challenges and cultural differences:
Zitkala Sa faces numerous challenges as she tries to adapt to the new environment. The boarding school's strict rules and rigid routines are vastly different from the freedom and communal living she experienced in her Native American community. She struggles with the English language and the unfamiliar customs, feeling like an outsider among the other students.

Emotional turmoil:
Throughout her first day, Zitkala Sa experiences a range of emotions, including excitement, curiosity, loneliness, and confusion. She longs for her family and the familiar traditions of her tribe. The cultural shock and loss of identity weigh heavily on her, causing a sense of displacement and homesickness.

Conclusion:
Zitkala Sa's first day in the land of apples marks the beginning of her journey towards assimilation and cultural transformation. The challenges she faces and the emotions she experiences provide insight into the difficulties Native American children encountered in the boarding school system. This pivotal moment in her life sets the stage for her later activism and advocacy for Native American rights.