As a mom of 2 kids, sending them off on the first day of school was always special, but the elementary school years were especially magical. Our kids’ backpacks and lunch boxes would be packed and ready on the eve of the first day, and the kids would choose what new outfit to wear. In the morning, I’d make a hot breakfast and snap photos of them before they marched off to a new school year.
I’m sure this scenario plays out in households everywhere, because the excitement of the first day of school is universal.
For students at NWTC, Thursday, Aug. 31, marks the start of the fall term. That means it’s the first day of school for thousands of students, including moms, dads, grandmas and grandpas who haven’t been in the classroom in a long time.
A milestone worth celebrating
I wonder if their kids and grandkids are the ones snapping photos. They should be! It’s a milestone that should be celebrated. By enrolling in college courses, they’re investing in themselves and making an effort to get ahead in the world.
My first day as a marketing student at NWTC was really low key. I was working full time, and my employer didn’t know I enrolled in classes. After work I ate a quick supper at home and then drove to Green Bay for my night class, Principles of Marketing.
First day of school marks a turning point in life
The moments leading up to my first day as an NWTC marketing student weren’t anything like the send-offs we gave our kids on their first day, except for one significant element. The first day of school marked a turning point in our lives.
I think it takes courage to return to college as an adult. When I stepped into my first marketing class I didn’t know a soul. I didn’t know where to sit, what to say to the other students in the class, or what to take out of my book bag. Just finding the right parking lot, building, and classroom seemed like a victory, and now I was in the classroom ready for who knew what!
It was comforting to see other returning adult students in the class, and our instructor Lisa O’Halloran made us all feel like we belonged.
Learning comes naturally
So, for all those students feeling the familiar First Day of School jitters, here’s my advice. Relax. Simply by registering for classes you have shown that you’re motivated and ready for a challenge. If you love the field that you’re going into, the learning will come naturally.
So, here’s to the first day of school! Shake off those jitters, and make it a great one.
Author: Joan Koehne
Once a mild-mannered reporter and editor, Joan Koehne has taken on the persona of her alter ego, Wonder Writer, saving the world one word at a time. In 2017 she went up, up and away to launch a writing services business, Writer to the Rescue, a division of Packerland Websites. A 2017 college graduate, Joan earned highest honors and the Marketing Student of the Year award.
