The Promise of Back-to-School

I have a fondness for back-to-school time because I always enjoyed school. It was a bastion of peace and tranquility where the rules were fairly straightforward and the teachers usually liked you if you weren’t disruptive.

School was also where I could read without my mother nagging me to go outside and play, although admittedly my teachers had a tendency to insist that I pay attention to them instead of reading. But at lunchtime, during study hall, on the bus, and when I had finished my work, then I would read. I always had my main book and my backup book with me, from the time I was in first grade. (I still have my Kindle with me whenever I leave the apartment.)

Back-to-school was also about new pens and paper but primarily it was about promise: that this year I would make some friends or get straight As or learn the mysteries of algebra.

Some of those promises came to fruition, some didn’t, but the promise was always there.

Now that I teach classes for editors (at Club Ed), I’m back in the school year rhythm – not because that’s how I want it but because that’s what my students prefer. Most people sign up for classes offered September through June. Almost no one signs up for classes offered in July and August.

I use those months to do other projects, but I also take time off. In Spain, everyone takes August off, so it’s very easy to join the crowd and enjoy the beach and la feria.

But part of me is always waiting for September to roll around and bring fresh promise with it.