We all remember at least one, don’t we? Whether it be your very first day of Kindergarten – and all of the unknowns that accompanied it. Or, the last “first day” of school that you ever experienced.
I can recall (at least) a few.
Some were great, carrying with them memories that we hold tight to this day. Some, of course, were horribly underwhelming and a far cry from the expectations we had set in place.
As a collective whole, we probably ask ourselves: “What makes the first day of school so special?” Or, in a less than ideal moment in time; “what makes it go tragically wrong?”
A Teacher’s Point of View
In this life, as it currently exists, I’m a school teacher by trade. Of course, the first day of school holds a special place in my heart – perhaps, more so than I ever expected it would.
Many months ago, I wrote on the subject of “remembering your why.”
A piece of writing that detailed the feelings and actions associated with my career choice.
Within it, I quoted:
“As I’ve stated many times before, my path to becoming an educator was far from linear. I had ample opportunities to point my sails in another direction. Ultimately discovering the reason(s) for “why” I wanted to take on such a career path, through many long days, and longer nights, college major changes, odd-ends jobs, and heartbreak.
Amidst a sea of uncertainty, a voice in my head continued me in this direction. Seems ridiculously cliche, I understand – but it’s true.”
What was that voice telling me, years ago, when I made this decision? A decision to head back to the classroom, to spend my life educating others, after years of dreading the very thought of school itself?
It’s a question with no real answer.
But, what I’ve come to know is this:
That very voice that led me to this place, is the same voice that continues to recall my “why.” It is the guiding light for each and every decision I make in my teaching career, and the nerves and excitement that continue to be synonymous with the first day of each brand new school year.
The feelings of anxiousness, and of worry. Of excitement and uncertainty. These feelings that are so often associated with something, anything brand new – the least of which being a fresh school year. New faces and new schedules. Friends of old and friends of new. High expectations and a foggy sense of how they can possibly be reached.
We all have felt these things, as students.
What is unknown to most, but understood deeply by those who embark upon a career in academia is this: these feelings are equally experienced by those in the teaching roles. The ones who show up, day after day, for the betterment of young lives. The ones who work far beyond what is expected. The ones, no doubt, who receive far less recognition than they deserve.
All of their efforts, and all of their hopes – it is all poured into this very day. The first day that students arrive.
But then, it’s time to do it all again. And so, tomorrow, they will. They will act in that same selfless manner, and march forward in whatever way necessary to meet their students exactly where they are.
For you – the first day was everything. For them – the first day is every day.
…
As you reminisce on those who left you with such everlasting memories as a child, remember these words. Think back upon the sacrifices that were made, although out of your stream of consciousness at the time, but done in your best interest.
To those who did these things for you, not for fame or glory. Not for riches and fortune. But, for the sake of making a difference.
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Forged in Fire 
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