I miss my trapper-keeper!

The crisp smell of freshly cut green grass, red and black football jerseys, brightly lit Friday night lights and the sticky smell of aqua net (the pink and white aerosol bottle was my favorite-EXTRA SUPER HOLD) are all smells and visions that pop into my head like popcorn popping out of Ms. Gaines’ hot air popcorn popper. I remember that popcorn maker sitting on the side cabinet wall, waiting to be used on movie days in 3rd grade. I always longed for my family to have such a concoction. “Palomitas! Yo quiero palomitas ama! La maestra tiene una cosa que hace palomitas!” I think one year I tried to fundraise enough money to get me one of those amazing machines. I don’t remember meeting my quota.

Anyways, these images along with others are mental snapshots that consume my head when I hear the statement “Going Back to School.” Most of the schools in my area are back in session. These include preschools, elementary and secondary schools, colleges and universities. For the most part, I have friends who have children attending some sort of school. I have friends with children starting school for the first time. Pre-school, I never went to pre-school hence my stellar academic ability.

I have friends who have toddlers attending day care for the first time (nervous mommies-too cute). Then there are those with children returning to elementary and high school (talk about juggling schedules if you have them at different schools). Let’s not forget my friends with children leaving the nest to attend college for the first time (more nervous mommies as they remember their college days-you’re paying your dues to your mom now).

I have to highlight the following group “my friends who have decided to go back to school.” I tip my hat to you as I’m learning this is not an easy venture. Sitting next to the Brainy Kid in class can be discouraging, especially when that brainy kid is as young as your child and has the attitude of “Mr. Know-it-all” and it gets even more discouraging when the professor walks in and she’s as young as the next-door neighbor’s daughter only more bohemian looking. Then there’s technology. Yes, I said the “T” word. TE-CHNO-LO-GY!!! It can be your best friend or your worst enemy. Search engines, Blackboard, TaskStream, on-line Librarians, Skype…, Technology, you WILL be my best friend.

I miss the days of the trapper-keeper, pee-chee folders, comp books, and playing sticks with pencils. My first practicum is this weekend. Looking forward to an innovative and lively semester. Good luck to all my fellow scholars returning to school. You deserve a pat on the back and much more. Look around your efforts are inspiring in and around your household.

PEACE. LOVE. GOD BLESS!!