Each year as the first day of school rolls around, I follow about the same routine. I get up, pick out an outfit, get ready, then hold up my "first day of school *insert year*" sign. I typically then go to school, find my classes, and take on another year that I've been given to expand my education. With each year comes change that the year before (usually has) prepared me for. Typically, I know the drill and the roads I'm going to be on. However, this year took a twist and I am not sure what's coming around the corner. A pandemic. How out of the blue.

Around school, I'm hearing more "mask up" than "bear up" and it has me questioning how long I will actually be attending class. From planning on being on campus for my classes to it getting "blended" to half in class, half in person... I'm not sure if I'm prepared for what's to come. I know I need to be more disciplined than in previous years and make sure I'm on top of my work. However, I will do my best to take on this crazy year with an open mind and a carefully thought through schedule. Maybe, I'll get lucky and be back in the classroom by December.

What will come of this pandemic? I don't know. But like first, second, third, and all the grades in between that led me to fourteen, I will take each day one at a time. So here's to fourteenth grade and what lies ahead.