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Friday, September 2, 2011

Reminiscing...

"Human intelligence is richer and more dynamic than we have been led to believe by formal academic education." ~Sir Ken Robinson

Thought I'd use today's NaBloPoMo writing prompt. Simple question really: 'How did you feel about the start of the school year growing up?' School .. whether it be primary or secondary.. starts back this Monday in Trinidad and Tobago. Teachers have to be at work today.. prepping I guess? Apparently there are meetings and discussions on what will happen during the new school year, how the school would be run and how the children would be managed. It's a Very Big Undertaking I've heard. Children today are not the same as they were ten, five or even three years ago. Resources are limited. The work is changing.
 
I've always viewed school through many different lenses. I was a student. My parents and a few of my aunts were teachers. I have family that were principals and some that still are principals. School played a very big part in my early years.
 
How did I feel about the start of the school year growing up?
 
In preschool and kindergarten it was exciting - though I believe I cried the first few days. In primary school there was always a bit of anxiety... a bit of excitement... a bit of reluctance (who wants to give up holidays) and also curiousity (what has everyone else been up to?). In secondary school there was more anxiety... a bit of excitement... some apathy... I think in all cases I was unhappy that I'd not be home, happy to be with friends, interested/curious (though less so as I got older) about what would happen in the school year.  

The start of the school year was not just about my brother and I being prepared but my parents as well. It was an end to lazy days - getting back into the groove of their work day/our school day. It was reacquainting ourselves with waking up at dawn, getting everyone out the door on time, lunchtimes and recesses and the management of schoolwork and housework.

It was not particularly welcome. It just was. Return of a wave that's gone far out to sea. Now that I'm an adult I miss it. I think that at least there was an idea of what to expect in the year ahead... It's not like that anymore - it's somewhat of a disruption to routine that I'm taking time to get used to. Perhaps it does encourage one to look forward to individual moments .. or to cherish what is in the now.

peace,
Ren


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