Every year when school starts, I remember some of the firsts from my school days.
My brothers and I would wait for the school bus, standing in birth order, like little steps. It had to have been quite a chore to get six kids up, fed and dressed before the bus came. But I am sure my mom relished the quiet house after we got on the bus. That first day of school was pretty exciting, for us kids and my mom.
I loved school even though I was a sickly child who missed many days. Mom would always get my missed assignments from the teachers and she made sure I kept up with my studies.
In many ways, Mom was my first teacher. She made sure I did my assignments and made sure there was reading material available at home. Perhaps that is why I love reading so much. It was one activity I could do that didn’t interfere with the difficult breathing from asthma attacks. Fortunately as I reached my teen years, the asthma attacks lessened and my school attendance increased.
My dad and I shared a first. My first day of college was the same day as his first day of classes at night school. It had to have been difficult to juggle his full time job, do chores on our little farm, help raise six kids, and study for his GED (General Educational Diploma) classes.
Dad inspired another man from work, Mr. Holt, to go back and get his GED. Mr. Holt would come to our house sometimes so he and Dad could study together. They both struggled with English class, especially the writing assignments. But they were not too proud to ask me for help.
It did feel sort of strange tutoring two men in their 40s as an 18-year-old kid. However they were quite determined so it made my job easier.
I remember the night Dad received his hard earned high school diploma. It had a special spot of honor on his desk, where it was proudly displayed for years. Dad’s experience being the first in his family to get his GED inspired a couple of his brothers to go to night school and get their diplomas. I was proud of him for working hard to achieve that goal.
My experience instructing Dad and Mr. Holt made me realize I wanted to become teacher.
So I earned my teaching degree, eventually earning a master’s degree specializing in early childhood education. I absolutely loved teaching 4 year olds, who were so inquisitive, enthusiastic and energetic. There turned out to be many first days of school for me over the years. And my little students seemed to enjoy their first school experience. I still see some of my former students and it is amazing to me that they remember preschool stories and songs from so long ago.
Life is so full of firsts: first date, first kiss, first job, even first heartbreak. They all add up to a hopefully well-lived life. The first and only life we have.
Roxanne Rowley is a retired early childhood educator and consultant. She enjoys writing and has had numerous articles published related to early childhood issues.
