Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010
School days are here again
Emily Jarrett, Journal Staff
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Off the record, I have always loved shopping for school supplies.
One of my favorite things was looking at the list that was sent home from school detailing everything I would need that year – notebooks and folders, three yellow highlighters (please no other colors), 24-count crayons, two boxes of Kleenex, one package pencils (mechanical is fine), index cards, eight count markers and on and on.
I have very distinct memories of roaming the aisles at Target or Wal-Mart, trying to convince my mom I absolutely needed a Trapper Keeper. And a new backpack. And the 64-count box of Crayola Crayons with the crayon sharpener built right into the box.
The Trapper Keeper and backpack I got, but never the 64 box of crayons. I’m still a little bitter about that one.
The night before the big first day I’d load up my backpack, trying to stuff all those brand new supplies into it. I always had too much, usually throwing the two boxes of Kleenex into a plastic bag and carrying it with my lunch in a brown paper sack in the other hand.
As I went to private schools and wore a uniform everyday until college, back-to-school clothes shopping was never a big deal for me. Though I do remember countless times standing by my mom’s sewing machine as she hemmed – then a year or two later, un-hemmed – my jumper or skirt.
And then the first day of school would (finally) arrive. As I got older, the excitement over the first day would be less about my new teacher and things I’d learn, and more about getting to hang out with my friends everyday, but the feeling of a fresh start never got old.
And though my last first day as a student was two years ago when I started my senior year of college, I still get to have first days.
As the Journal’s education reporter, it’s my job to attend the first day of school – bright and early – and honestly, it’s one of my favorite days on the job.
The excitement and anticipation of a new school year are still in the air. And though the backpacks have changed over the years – and alas, my beloved Trapper Keeper is probably a thing of the past – I’m sure those bags are loaded down with the same school supplies I so loved buying.
I bet their moms even let them buy the 64-count of Crayolas.
Emily Jarrett is a staff writer for the Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call 816-282-7018 or e-mail ejarrett@bluespringsjournal.com.
