Josée Pepin

Every first day of every new school year was memorable. Seeing everyone again, the excitement of new opportunities, new friendships, the return of familiar teachers, and the warmth of late summer or the crisp bite of early autumn.

Above all, it was the fun and joy of interacting with classmates, whether in the classroom, cafeteria, auditorium, gymnasium, schoolyard, or sports field, it didn't matter, as long as I was busy doing interesting things with people who shared my passion for these activities and my love of learning through doing. I must say though, that one of the best moments ever was scoring my first goal for the school soccer team.

Although I looked back on every year as a great adventure in learning and was happy when the summer months came, it wasn't long before I looked forward to the new school year because for me it was a fresh start, the renewal of so many good things I liked doing in school with classmates and friends. And of course, I always had a feeling of excitement over which teacher or teachers I would get and what new courses there would be for me to discover. I enjoyed all my school years, and wish the same for all children and young people going back to school this year.

Photo: Pepin

(Photo:Martin Alarie)