School’s Back in Session: Your New Chapter Starts Here

Sleigh bells jingling

…wait, no, that’s not quite right.

It’s school bells ringing.

The weather’s cooling down, backpacks are getting heavier, and the annual “five more minutes” battle is back in full swing. 

It’s officially that time again; back to school.

As I step into my senior year of college, I still get those same first-day jitters I had way back when my backpack was almost bigger than I was. It’s a bittersweet milestone. As students head back to classrooms this fall, we’re all reminded that school is about grades and assignments, but we all know it’s more than just that. Whether you’re in your last year or just beginning your journey, every “first day” holds the same promise: the opportunity to grow and uncover parts of yourself that can’t be measured by tests. 

Yes, studying is important but so is taking the time in between to explore your passions and interests. It’s in those moments that students start to grow not just academically, but personally. 

I remember back in middle school I was always hesitant to try new things. Being honest, I wasn’t the type of student who gravitated toward the core subjects like history, math, or science. I primarily looked forward to my writing assignments and elective classes. 

One of my most memorable experiences was when I took a drama class for the first time. At the time, I was the kind of student who liked to stay within my comfort zone. The thought of performing or putting myself out there was terrifying. But when I took the leap, I discovered a whole new world. Drama gave me a voice I didn’t know I had, and an outlet for creativity that I still nurture today.

Now, as I pursue a degree in journalism, I find fulfillment in many aspects of school, whether it’s in the classrooms or organizations. Each experience builds on the last, helping me grow both as a student and as an individual.

That’s what school offers beyond the classwork: a chance to shape who you are. It’s important to support students in their pursuit of passions outside of the core curriculum. These opportunities exist because of your contributions, providing students with access to extracurricular activities that might otherwise be out of reach. 

Keeping in mind for this year, here’s one goal everyone should strive to achieve: set a positive tone from the start. Encourage curiosity and support trying something new. You can’t discover what you truly enjoy until you take a chance. 

One can be textbook smart, but textbooks can’t teach you how to be yourself.

We’re all just finding our place to belong.