As I near the end of my high school journey and prepare for college, I experience a combination of nervousness and anxiety. School has been an important part of my life for thirteen years, consistently present. Although there are many more years ahead, the memories made in elementary and junior high school hold a special significance in my heart.
Throughout my educational journey, I have acquired a wealth of knowledge and experiences that have profoundly shaped me as an individual. When I reflect on my earlier school years, I am flooded with countless memories. Specifically, I vividly remember how simple life seemed back then compared to the increasing challenges faced in adulthood. It all began at Peppermint Patty preschool, although my memories from that time are limited due to being so young. However, what stands out in my mind is my resistance to attending preschool. Every time I went there, without fail, I would become ill while also perceiving the teachers as quite elderly.
From my recollection, my experience in preschool was not very enjoyable. However, I was thrilled when I started attending Kindergarten at a Catholic school that offers grades from Kindergarten to eighth grade. My Kindergarten teacher was Ms. Esser, a kind and pleasant lady.
I enjoyed school during my early years, especially Kindergarten because it felt like we were constantly playing. However, I always wished for more challenging tasks. I wanted to have homework and difficult tests so that I could boast about having them to my friends. The only aspect of Kindergarten that I did not enjoy was nap time, where we had to rest on tiny blue mats.
We used to choose a book and get a carton of milk. Napping wasn’t considered mature, so I didn’t enjoy it. However, my perspective has changed and now I enjoy coming home from school to sleep. I also have fond memories of the igloo our class constructed using milk cartons.
I was greatly impressed by it. Overall, beginning my education with Kindergarten proved to be an amazing experience as it effectively equipped me for the eagerly awaited first grade, which I knew would entail homework.
These days, teenagers lack the desire to come back home and complete their homework, which is something I deeply miss from my own teenage years. I treasure memories of Mrs. Lutgen, my first-grade teacher whom I didn’t especially enjoy. She was strict, in stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of Kindergarten.
Despite my talkative nature causing trouble with my teacher during my early school years, one standout memory from that time was winning the spelling bee. This achievement was significant to me at the time and overshadowed my memories of first grade, which otherwise seemed unremarkable. It makes me wonder if perhaps I didn’t have a good relationship with my teacher.
As a young six-year-old, I found the challenge of first grade to be learning how to read. Despite my age, I was fortunately quite skilled at reading, which made my experience in first grade more enjoyable. Now that this stage is complete, I am simply relieved.
During second grade, Mrs. Lignowski was my second-grade teacher and it was a significant year for me as I made my First Holy Communion. This achievement was a milestone in my life and brought immense pride to my family who strongly holds religious beliefs.
Despite her age, the elderly lady possessed an exceptional kind-hearted nature. In my second-grade year, religion held great importance, but being a child, I lacked interest. However, it has now gained significance in my life. Our routine included attending rehearsals for the mass proceedings at the nearby church. Vivid memories remain of the intense fear I felt while preparing for confession with Father Hanley. This ritual was mandatory to prepare us for our first Communion.
Instead of confessing my sins in person, I chose to do so inside the confessional booth. Although this practice is no longer common, the mere idea of it still causes me anxiety. Making my First Communion was a thrilling experience because it meant that I could finally participate in receiving Communion during mass instead of just observing my family approach the altar. Along with this important milestone, I have a memory of falling off the monkey bars and losing a tooth.
Second grade was a year of significant achievements! However, third and fourth grade were quite similar for me. The academic challenges increased, and homework became less enjoyable compared to previous years. I had a lesser opportunity to engage in coloring, unlike in earlier grades. In third grade, my teacher was Mrs.
Kohler was my fourth-grade teacher, and Mrs. Willam was my teacher when I was in fourth grade. Both of them were kind and slightly older. I have fond memories of third grade, where we frequently engaged in art projects. As a child, I thoroughly enjoyed creating things for my parents as it brought them immense joy.
Mrs. Willam would frequently bring us outdoors to observe the surroundings, which was an enjoyable learning experience. At St. Peter’s playground, there were swings, slides, and two monkey bar jungle gyms.
While not the most elaborate playground, I have fond memories of having a blast on it. During recess, my friends and I would regularly engage in a game called ‘boys chase the girls’. This game involved the girls taking over one jungle gym as their territory while the boys claimed the other. We would all enthusiastically run back and forth in an attempt to conquer each other’s jungle gym. Although not very structured, we had an absolute blast chasing one another. Additionally, jump rope and freeze tag were popular recess activities. Undoubtedly, recess was the highlight of our day.
I have fond memories of field day during the spring, including relay races and games that made for a fun-filled day. Additionally, the fun fair held in St. Peter’s gym was another favorite memory of mine. I simply adored it as there were carnival games with prizes. The only aspect that I did not enjoy about St. Peter’s was…
Peter didn’t like wearing a uniform, specifically the jumpers with red or yellow sweaters. Back when I was in school, the girls would tuck in their jumpers, except for the older girls who got to wear skirts instead. My envy towards my two best friends, Katie Collins and Maggie Devore, stemmed from the fact that they attended a public school. Unlike me, they were able to leave school earlier and not have to wear uniforms.
After completing fourth grade, my mother allowed me to attend W.C. Petty for fifth grade, which became my favorite year of all. My teacher during that year was Mr.
Both Bessette and I had a great affection for him. Attending a public school was an exciting experience for me, particularly because I could reunite with my closest friends there. At Petty, I had the opportunity to meet numerous new individuals and felt like I had more advantages. The academic curriculum became more demanding, but I continued to cherish school.
Having my first genuine crush on a boy was thrilling during that stage of life. The fifth grade was extremely enjoyable, but the anticipation of entering junior high made me even more exhilarated. Stepping into junior high was like being transported to a completely different realm. The multitude of students and classrooms overwhelmed me, leaving me unsure of what to make of it all.
In junior high, the passing periods were undoubtedly the highlight. The opportunity to chat with friends and switch between classes brought a sense of freedom. Among the experiences that stand out from my time in junior high, teen canteen holds a special place. It was undoubtedly the most exciting thing for teenagers back then.
Despite the increasing difficulty, I still enjoyed going to school more than ever. My school days were filled with wonderful experiences and countless memories, including a dance every other Friday that required hours of preparation. Reflecting on the past, it is enjoyable to see the personal growth I have achieved and how much progress I have made.
Reflecting on the past brings a smile to my face, as I recall all the enjoyable moments. Simultaneously, I eagerly anticipate crafting countless new memories in the days to come!
