Say whatever you’d like about beginnings, but I personally love them, especially when it’s beginning a new school year. (Beginning statistics homework? Not quite as exciting.)

There’s something in the air when you get out of the car on the first day of school that makes the day seem different, in my opinion. Maybe it’s the realization that you’re another year more educated or something along those lines. Maybe it’s because another beginning calls your attention to the fact you are another year older. Nonetheless, beginnings are exhilarating in the fact that they are a blank slate.

Growing up, I was always the kid that had unparalleled enthusiasm when it came to buying new notebooks, folders, and a new backpack in preparation for the new school year. I got so excited to get back to learning, both in the academic sense and the life sense. Years later, I am still exactly the same.

I love the beginning of the school year because it’s an opportunity for another chance. Another chance to prove to yourself that yes, you can conquer that difficult math class. Another chance to prove to yourself that you can become the president of the club you’ve always wanted to lead if you put in the time to get there. Another chance to prove to yourself that some of the amazing people you’ll tell stories about one day are still out there, waiting to be met.

Now don’t get me wrong: I don’t think that this is all entirely contingent upon the beginning of the new school year, as most of this can be achieved independently of a “new” school year. There is something incredible about the fact that there’s so much story left to be written.

Cheers to the new school year!