As someone who has basically been in school their entire life minus two years, I have a love-hate relationship with back to school time. I love it because the fresh new year full of possibilities has always excited me as a student-turned-teacher. I love meeting my new students each year! Summer is my favorite season because I love being outdoors and spending time in the sun! I’m always hesitant to give that up plus getting back into a routine each day is always difficult. Although, by the end of July I’m almost always starting to get bored and am ready to get back into the swing of things.
And They’re Off… … It is hard to believe that another summer has come and gone. The school supplies have been purchased and soon, students and parents will meet the new teacher(s) who will be the main educational influence in their lives for the next nine months. It is thrilling for some, terrifying for others, but good for all. It’s time to go back to school. … When Jack started kindergarten, my focus was solely on him throughout each day. Would he love school? Would he hate it? Would he make sweet friends? Would he be able to make it for seven whole hours without seeing my face?
Have you ever wondered why a community our size would need three separate colleges? … That answer is quickly settled when you learn just how unique each campus is. For instance, did you know that University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana (UAHT) is on the verge of installing Arkansas’ first ever college solar training lab? Were you aware the students at Texas A&M University-Texarkana ( TAMU-T) have access to their own Starbucks? What about the cutting-edge, industry standard equipment used in the trade courses at Texarkana College (TC)?
I’ll never forget the day John Henry entered the world. As most new parents are, we were nervous and excited about meeting our newborn son. John Henry’s arrival was anxiously awaited, as our arms had been left empty almost exactly one year prior. August 27, 2009, Fred and I thought we were going to be first-time parents to a healthy baby boy. Unfortunately, life took a different route after a long 39 weeks, and instead of leaving the hospital with a healthy baby, we left to attend our son’s funeral. … Reflecting twelve years later, it is surreal how his birthday unfolded.
