What a beautiful road trip through the mind of a scholar. Education is the key of making our minds work, learn and develop, although in a class of students there is a curve. Some minds absorb the instructions and readings at higher skill than others, but if each improve and come out more learned before school started then we all have gained.
Ironic, our granddaughter Kate, will enter into her classroom first year as an English teacher at the town of Lincoln high school. We are so proud that she will help develop the minds of the many students that will enter her classroom for all the years to come.
You captured all the anxiety and anticipation on the eve of another school year. There's a couple things I remember as well: forcing my parents to buy new cloths to keep up with the latest school fashion; buying a new notebook to keep my school materials and either past or draw the outside notebook cover to prove I'm cool; clean the whitewalls, and check my brakes and chain on my bicycle; and dream of the peanut butter cookies that periodically appeared as dessert. One of the only things I never had to worry about back then was being shot in school.
Beautiful story Ed. The weather turning cool was a happy time to get back to Mt. Pleasant High for two reasons, first - to show up for football practice about a month before actual school starting and second - to to meet my friends for another school year of challenging college classes. Never thought I could afford college but a counselor in Jr. high suggested I continue college classes in high school. She was correct to continue and I was able to work to afford college. I still think of my Jr. high counselor and others like her whose guidance made a huge difference in the lives of their students.
Unfortunately, Ed, as we all know, they're not kiddin'. We'll done; enjoyable, nostalgic and enlightening. Saturday mornings were reserved for the bus ride down town to the Carnegie-Stout free public library.
Ed, You've nailed it again. I remember exactly having the same feelings when leaving my beloved grade school and teachers and moving on to Jr. high school. It was the first big step in my young life. I, like you, quickly fell into step and absorbed all it's new challenges.
I just don't understand censorship. Like vandalism, it doesn't make any sense. It seems those narrow minded people forget the entire purpose of school; to train one's mind to resolve problems, not just to learn facts and figures, important as those may be. It was a great time to be alive. JC Yuill
Exactly, John. Is not the purpose of education to open minds rather than close them? Kinda sad to see the closed minds that try to control others. But, guess what? It doesn't work. Learners want to learn. Educators want to educate.
Ed: Chaucer in Jr. high school...I'm impressed. Paull van K Thomson would have loved to see you as an English Major. No medieval tales with the tough Padre in pre-med.
I wish I had The Professor. If I had to do it over, I would have been an English or language major at PC, taking just enough courses to qualify for med school. Who knew?
Chaucer was in high school, then at PC for an encore.
Great story! I remember heavy metal, turned rusty at the edges, lunch boxes and weighty satchel style school bags, with many outer pockets. . Carrying one in each hand for balance, I’d swing them along on my way to the bus stop. (The backpack for school was and is genius!)
Once censorship begins the censors keep eliminating the rings on their target of what’s acceptable.
Self appointed, and blind to the paradox that they alone have the freedom of choice they are denying others.
What a beautiful road trip through the mind of a scholar. Education is the key of making our minds work, learn and develop, although in a class of students there is a curve. Some minds absorb the instructions and readings at higher skill than others, but if each improve and come out more learned before school started then we all have gained.
Ironic, our granddaughter Kate, will enter into her classroom first year as an English teacher at the town of Lincoln high school. We are so proud that she will help develop the minds of the many students that will enter her classroom for all the years to come.
Why in the world are we trying to stunt the minds of our young? I simply don't get it!
And good for your granddaughter. Go, Kate!
Wiil send your message to Kate. Thanks Ed!
You captured all the anxiety and anticipation on the eve of another school year. There's a couple things I remember as well: forcing my parents to buy new cloths to keep up with the latest school fashion; buying a new notebook to keep my school materials and either past or draw the outside notebook cover to prove I'm cool; clean the whitewalls, and check my brakes and chain on my bicycle; and dream of the peanut butter cookies that periodically appeared as dessert. One of the only things I never had to worry about back then was being shot in school.
Boy, were you ready for the return.
And, yes, look at what we worry about today. Guns. Sad.
Banning books in the 21st Century...what happened to evolution????
Yes, what happened? What is happening to education?
I don’t remember ever…all the way through high school…that I was not excited that first day of school!
Growing up with the Depression and later WW2 certainly affected us in ways I won’t bother describing. Yes, classes were a nice change.
Yes, Joe, welcome to The Club.
Wonderful memories and great comments
Thanks, Roger
Beautiful story Ed. The weather turning cool was a happy time to get back to Mt. Pleasant High for two reasons, first - to show up for football practice about a month before actual school starting and second - to to meet my friends for another school year of challenging college classes. Never thought I could afford college but a counselor in Jr. high suggested I continue college classes in high school. She was correct to continue and I was able to work to afford college. I still think of my Jr. high counselor and others like her whose guidance made a huge difference in the lives of their students.
Yes, Vin. We honor and remember those mentors
Bless them
Unfortunately, Ed, as we all know, they're not kiddin'. We'll done; enjoyable, nostalgic and enlightening. Saturday mornings were reserved for the bus ride down town to the Carnegie-Stout free public library.
Hard to believe or understand, Ed
Loved the story .I'll heck the bookstore for a copy to add to your other memory books!!!!!!!
Thanks, Natalie. My guess. You HAD to be someone who loved school!
Ed, You've nailed it again. I remember exactly having the same feelings when leaving my beloved grade school and teachers and moving on to Jr. high school. It was the first big step in my young life. I, like you, quickly fell into step and absorbed all it's new challenges.
I just don't understand censorship. Like vandalism, it doesn't make any sense. It seems those narrow minded people forget the entire purpose of school; to train one's mind to resolve problems, not just to learn facts and figures, important as those may be. It was a great time to be alive. JC Yuill
Exactly, John. Is not the purpose of education to open minds rather than close them? Kinda sad to see the closed minds that try to control others. But, guess what? It doesn't work. Learners want to learn. Educators want to educate.
Ed: Chaucer in Jr. high school...I'm impressed. Paull van K Thomson would have loved to see you as an English Major. No medieval tales with the tough Padre in pre-med.
I wish I had The Professor. If I had to do it over, I would have been an English or language major at PC, taking just enough courses to qualify for med school. Who knew?
Chaucer was in high school, then at PC for an encore.
Great story! I remember heavy metal, turned rusty at the edges, lunch boxes and weighty satchel style school bags, with many outer pockets. . Carrying one in each hand for balance, I’d swing them along on my way to the bus stop. (The backpack for school was and is genius!)
Once censorship begins the censors keep eliminating the rings on their target of what’s acceptable.
Self appointed, and blind to the paradox that they alone have the freedom of choice they are denying others.
Beautiful, Lee. Thank you.
Imagine censoring "Catcher in the Rye" or "To Kill a Mockingbird"
My goodness.
Ed, what a Beautiful story!!! My brother went to Academy Avenue School as well.
He always told me the same things you have written. Remember he was 12 years older than me and very protective.
Thanks for sharing.
beautiful story!!!!
Sharpen the Dixon Ticonderogas,,,,,,#2
Thanks, Ruthie. I wonder if kids have phones in their pencil boxes these days 🤔
Thanks, Alan. Yes, nothing but # 2s. I bought boxes of them at BJs last year.