Walking into school on the first day with my book bag as full as can be, was my favorite part of school starting. Being able to use all new crayons, pencils and folders. Organizing my desk just so. Showing off my brand new pencil case or notebook to all the friends I hadn’t seen since June. Fresh paper with no indents from writing on the sheet before because this is a brand new pack. Brand new school bags stuffed with blank notebooks. I always wanted to use college ruled because I couldn’t wait to be grown up but never could get away with it because my school supply list said wide ruled. Mom vetoed that faster than I could say “but…but…all the other kids’ moms…” Brand new shoes, always black or brown because I wore a plaid skirted uniform and that was all that was allowed. White untouched sneakers for gym that would soon be scuffed and marked from dodge ball in the lot. Catching up with friends I hadn’t seen in months. Meeting my new teacher.

I wish I still had the same enthusiasm for school that I did in grade school, even if it was fleeting. It usually faded after a couple weeks and the thrill of it all was over.

School starts next week for me, five classes from 8AM to 2PM. I can’t say I’m really looking forward to it. Summer went by far too quickly. Now it will be cramming for tests, 10 page papers, note cards and study sessions.

Maybe it’ll help if I go buy a new pencil case.