Fading tans and falling temperatures mean it’s that time of year again. As hard as it is to say goodbye to summer and get back to school, there are also quite a lot of memories associated with embarking on a new adventure every fall.

One of my earliest memories was from my first day of MaryVale preschool. I was two and a half years old, riding in the car with my mom sitting beside me. Of course by the time I was at Mercyhurst Prep School, getting my hair done and buying a new outfit were the top priorities!

Yesterday faculty, staff and students shared their experiences with me when I asked, “What are your memories of the first day of school?”

• Pam – “The expression on the kids faces. They are so expectant. Everybody is working together. This is the best thing!”
• Ann – “Just seeing the kids’ faces and smiles! Hoping they like you and remember you.  It feels good when previous students want to be with you.”
• Ellsworth – “The first smile from the kids! Sharing happy times and enjoying making eye contact.”
• Jaime – “How much the kids have missed me and school.”
• Kathy – “Having a student come to me, smiling as they walk off their school bus.”
• Connor – “The excitement in getting to know new kids.”
• Kyle – “Getting a chance to know students who are new to your room and helping them!”
• Leslie – “There are just too many memories. I can see their faces, how they have grown. It’s like the first time you met them. You marvel at how many skills they have.”

Below, students’ share their feelings about the first day of school:

• Jimmy – “I think the room looks great. I’d like to spend more time with friends.”
• Brandi – “School is fun. It makes me happy. I like seeing Bryant again.”
• Josh – “I was grumpy in the morning and then started to feel happy in the afternoon.”
• Kayla – “Good…I like it.”

Ryan & I on his first day of kindergarten

As I listened to their experiences, I began to remember Ryan’s first day of kindergarten.

We sat together on the steps waiting for the school bus, feeling well prepared to start a new journey.  But, I confess, as he rode off on the bus my eyes filled with tears as I thought “today my little boy starts a new chapter in his life” and wondered “Will he have friends?” But, I guess that’s what all mothers worry about on the first day of kindergarten.

I hope your first day of school this year was full of joy and that the year brings you fun, friendship and fabulous memories. We are off and running!