The first day of school marks the transition from joyful summer memories on the beach to academic lectures in the classroom. After a quick Target run in late August to collect all of the necessary supplies, we head off to school to begin a new year of math, science, writing and reading. As a senior at Boston College starting what may be my final year of school, I find myself reflecting on all of the first days of school throughout my life and how they have evolved over time.
Elementary School
As a young pupil, I would pack up my monogrammed L.L. Bean backpack with fresh pencils and highlighters and grab my matching lunchbox filled with yummy treats from my mom and a heartfelt note. I would wait for the bus at the end of my street with all of the kids in my neighborhood and we would chat away about how excited we were to find out who had the nicest teacher. I would board the bus thrilled to begin a new year of learning.
Middle School
As a middle schooler, I put on my best Limited Too sparkly outfit for the first day of school. Driven to school by my neighbor in high school, I walked up to the building like I owned the place. My confidence was overwhelming as I sported my brand new pink and green braces.
High School
Once in High School, summer ended long before the first day of school with fall sport tryouts beginning in mid to late August. The transition from summer back to the school year was definitely more bitter than sweet at this point in time and the first day marked the start of the countdown to the next summer vacation.
Freshman Year
As a Freshman at BC, I moved onto campus on a sweaty August morning. After setting up my room just as I had envisioned, I said goodbye to my parents and hello to my first college friend (aka my roommate). All of a sudden going to school meant having three hours of class a day and making new friends in Mac.
Sophomore Year
Reunited and it never felt so good. All of the Sophomores came back to campus with this confidence and joy of getting to see their closest friends again. Aftering figuring BC out a bit Freshman year, I counted down the days until I moved back onto campus and began the next year of my college career.
Junior Year
As a junior, with some friends traveling abroad and students living on and off campus, the first day of school means many different things for different people. For me, it meant an adorable quad in 2K and the frightening realization that I was quickly moving past the halfway point of college.
Senior Year
Now that I have reached my final year of college, it has come time for my last first day of school. Excited to be back with my closest friends for the last of the “best four years of our lives” and nostalgic about all of the past years of school, the first day brings up a mixed bag of emotions.
So, as a senior enjoying her last first day, my advice to you is make the most of every first day and enjoy every minute of school. Before you know it you will be in my shoes and your college career will be coming to a close. Don’t blink!
Sources:
https://media.giphy.com/media/oiV6Mgwb1YxvG/giphy.gif
https://img.buzzfeed.com/buzzfeed-static/static/2014-08/18/18/enhanced/w…
https://thumbs.gfycat.com/AbsoluteMarvelousCowrie-size_restricted.gif
https://rutgershonorsblog.files.wordpress.com/2015/10/im-ready-to-party.gif
https://78.media.tumblr.com/80c9be3ffb63b1f85cfa19f806c140dd/tumblr_inline_p0ryntpNxc1qksi3x_500.gif
https://media1.tenor.com/images/5539872ebb1a37068afabea2b58a07ad/tenor.gif?itemid=12345622