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Last First Day of School


Reflecting back on this past week, I realized that I missed sharing a significant milestone in my life...my last first day of school! I almost felt the need to pinch myself after finishing my first week of classes to make sure it was real life that I am in the final lap of my "formal" education. I figured now would be as good a time as any to share my "educational journey" and first day of school traditions with Faith Community and find out your traditions.   

Even if I wanted to, I don't think it would be possible for me to forget my first day of school each year. I would like to say it was because there was just this excitement in the air about what new possibilities and opportunities for learning that came with a new school year, but really it was because my mom made such a fuss. She had this school bus flag that she would hang up each year that would act as our photo shoot backdrop. Each year, my brother and I had to hold up fingers which showed what grade we were in. Maybe it was the busy street we lived on that made me embarrassed, but I wanted to get this tradition out of the way as quickly (and with as few witnesses driving by) as possible.

Another tradition that started my first day of Kindergarten that became a daily tradition throughout elementary school was an exhortation from my grandmother as I went off to catch the bus. Living on a busy street, my brother and I picked up the bus at my grandparents' house. Having an independent spirit at a young age, I insisted that I didn't need her to walk me to the bus stop across the street, I would be just fine by myself. So she didn't walk me to the bus stop, but that first day of school she did follow me outside and called out to me, "Go get 'em, Katie!" I loved it, that was all I all the encouragement I needed to seize the day and that tradition stuck. Throughout elementary school, my grandmother without fail, cheered me on every day before I left for school.

This last first day of school though, there wasn't a picture taken and I didn't have a personal cheerleader but it did act as a humbling experience to reflect back on all the educational opportunities that I've had. I believe it is universal that parents and grandparents want more for their [grand]children. My brother and I were to be the first generation in our immediate family to earn a college degree. I am a graduate from Wright State University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and my brother, Patrick, earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreational Therapy. This December, I will finish my dual degree program (Master of Divinity and Master of Arts in Practical Theology) at Methodist Theological School in Ohio. I think it is safe to say the encouragement that my mom and grandparents always gave paid off and I am forever grateful.   

So what about you? What first day of school traditions did you have growing up? Or, what traditions do you have now (as either a parent and/or teacher)? 
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