The First Day of School is Almost Here!

It’s that time of year again: the first day of school. Students all over the world are preparing for the opportunities that lie ahead. There is so much to learn and so much to see. It is no wonder so many students look forward to this day.

By Lauren

With the first day of classes so near, I began thinking about the way things were in high school around this time.

I remember the big trip to Office Max with my mom every year; we’d hop in her SUV and drive on down to the store, where I would leap from the vehicle while it was still in motion, and run up and down the aisles (Supermarket Sweep style) seeking out the newest pens and folder colors.

I would then return home with my new purchases and proceed to label every folder for every class, color code my notebooks and binders, and put it all in my brand new Eddie Bauer bag for the first day of school.

And I know I’m not alone.

Even more exciting (if possible) than my school supply spree was my first day of school shopping extravaganza. There was nothing more important in life than what you wore on the first day of school; it set the tone for the year and let people know what kind of person you were.

My freshman year, I wore JNCO’s because it was all I could fit into (what? I was pudgy!). You know, those big, baggy, skater pants? I am a nice Jewish girl from the suburbs; imagine how confused everyone was.

Anyways, back to my point. My mother would buy me a lovely new set of clothing and I would come home from The Gap and spend hours choosing just which combination would make its debut on the first day of school.

The night before the big day I would have everything ready: my bag would be packed, clothes would be laid out, and I would be in bed on time. In the morning, my mother would wake me up with a complete breakfast, and I would leave a little earlier than normal to be sure to get to my first class on time.

My, my, my, how things have changed since then.

The first day of classes in college (post-freshman year… I even had my books in my bag for that first day!) are quite a different experience. Students spend the week proceeding this momentous day in a state of complete intoxication.

When the first day is finally here, students jump out of whatever bed they are in and walk-of-shame it to their first class. Most are still wearing whatever they wore the night before, and most have no clue where they are headed. They will also, most likely, not have time (or the stomach) for breakfast, but may feel the need to stop for aspirin and a bottle of water/beer to cure their weeklong hangover.

If said student actually makes it to their first class they will most likely take notes using lipliner and the back of a bar receipt.

It is quite a sight to see (if I am not in the back row vomiting in a freshman’s backpack) and one that makes me truly appreciate my college education.