Monday, August 11, 2014

The End of Summer Blues and Back to School


Despite entering my second year of teaching retirement, I can't get rid of that sinking feeling this time of year.

You know that time of year…

The time of year when knots the size of baseballs seem to grow in your stomach (and you know it's not from that cheese enchilada)…

The time of year when beads of sweat form above your brow (and you know it's not from the 90+ degree heat)…

The time of year when you start to hyperventilate as you drive down the road (and you know it's not because you zipped by that nice little police car parked along side the road)…

Nope…

It's because you passed through a school zone, it's mid-August, and for teachers, their summers will be officially over.

After 27 years of teaching, I have a rather Pavlovian response to this sort of thing that I can't seem to shake. Summer has always been my favorite time of year. To see it wilt away, just saddens me.

But with the end of summer also comes the beginning of a new school year which always brings a rush of hope and promise. A do-over of sorts. From new bright yellow #2 Ticonderoga pencils to new school clothes to a perfect clean slate–not just for students, but for teachers as well.  It's your chance to try for the gajillionth time to open the door of possibilities.

It's right there just open it.

What lies beyond is the magic they call teaching.

Best wishes to all my teacher friends as they start a new year!