Back to School: Finding My Groove Again
Monday wasn't a shock to the system, but more like a gentle nudge. The alarm went off, I made my coffee extra strong, and picked out my comfiest shoes for standing all day. After what felt like a short yet long break, school started again this week. I'll always miss those lazy mornings, but there's something special about coming back that I really love.
The halls, which were quiet before, are now buzzing with energy. You hear lockers banging, sneakers squeaking on the floor, and students excitedly sharing their vacation stories, maybe with a bit of nerves. Walking through the school on Monday, I realized it's just a building until people fill it. We're what makes it alive, and now it feels that way again.
The first day back is a mix of getting things in order and feeling all sorts of emotions. There's the usual stuff: piles of new stuff to organize, tweaking lesson plans, and sitting through meetings (that sometimes drag on). But between all that paperwork and updates, there are genuine, happy reunions with coworkers. We catch up quickly at the copier—How was your break? Read anything good? Ready for this? It's like a group breath before jumping in. We're a team, reconnecting and ready to support each other through whatever comes our way, good or bad.
And then comes the best part: the students. Seeing them arrive changes everything. Some are taller, some have different haircuts, but they all have that summer-tired-but-excited look. Desks that were neatly arranged now get filled, the whiteboard starts filling up with plans, and the real stuff starts. That first chat, that first laugh during a get-to-know-you game, that moment when a lesson clicks and you see a student understand something—that’s the cool stuff we come back for.
Going back to school isn't just about getting back to a routine; it's about getting back to what I'm here to do. The break was great for relaxing and thinking, but this is where the real stuff happens. It's chaotic, it takes a lot, and it can be tiring. But it's also lively, important, and full of possibilities. So here's to the new week, the new term, and the awesome plan we're about to do . Let's make it great!