This is a day that I never thought would come. Every August for most of my life meant the beginning of a new school year. Summer time weather and activities never excited me, so I looked forward to spending my time at school. I enjoyed buying new school supplies and practicing walking to my classes so I would not get lost on the first day. I loved making an inevitable back-to-school shopping trip to the mall with my mom and sister. And I invariably get a slight thrill opening a crisp notebook and writing with a never-before-used pen.
Pre-school -- I do not remember much, but I have never been much of a nap-taker, so this may have been a rough experience for me. Pre-school is learning the basics and setting a foundation for the rest of your education. Coloring is a favorite activity. When the last day of school means eating a snack will now happen at home.
Elementary school -- being the teacher's pet is an understatement. Elementary school is walking from my childhood home to the corner bus stop in the snow. It is winning the spelling bee one year and misspelling the word "leopard" another. Going on the swings during recess. Participating in the renowned school musicals, while my most significant part was a narrator. When the last day of school means watching movies and field day. Being dropped off by the school bus in the neighbors' driveway to eat ice cream in celebration.
Middle school -- a solid, enjoyable two years. Middle school is learning a new tune on the clarinet for an upcoming band concert. Crying my way through frustrating math homework assignments. It is cheering in uniform on the football field and basketball court sidelines. Getting butterflies when I'm with the boy I have a crush on. Always bringing a packed lunch, never buying. When the last day of school means signing, "You rock, don't ever change" and "Let's hang out this summer!" in every classmate's year book, whether you actually feel that way or not.
High school -- disappointingly not at all like Disney channel's High School Musical. Disliking that building full of around 3,000 people the moment I stepped through the doors. Not making the cheerleading squad, which was the niche I wanted -- so not attempting to get involved otherwise. Evenings spent at driver's ed. An underwhelming night at prom. Standardized tests. Getting butterflies when I'm with the boy I have a crush on. Becoming estranged from a group of friends as we grew into different people. Wishing the days away and hoping college would be better. Needing an experience that would expand my horizons and break down the walls I had up for too long. When the last day of school means attending graduation parties and getting a summer job.
Summer school -- not particularly fun. Summer school is a humid walk on campus and a fast-paced learning environment. It is failing Spanish (in my case). When the last day of school means now being able to spend mornings at the pool rather than in a classroom.
College -- 4 years of firsts. College is about finding yourself. Packing up my belongings and heading out-of-state. It is ditching the high school acquaintances and local universities for an opportunity -- a change. Joining a sorority and studying abroad. And by "studying" I mean traipsing around foreign countries. Knowing people on a deeper level. Getting butterflies when I'm with the boy I have a crush on. Drinking too much and staying awake until sunrise. College is about taking risks and trying new things. Making memories that make great stories. When the last day of school means walking out of a classroom -- and never going back.
