Crayons, Music and Learning
From the beginning of Kindergarten, I loved going to school. I remember the enjoyment of doing interesting projects that I would never have thought of doing at home. It was great fun to have a room full of 20 to 25 other kids to interact with.
Every minute of the school day was filled with activities. I remember opening up my new box of crayons at the beginning of the year and feeling rich and happy. These crayons were used every day to create and express my imagination.
In grade school, we were introduced to music instruction. We had a wonderful teacher named Miss Schroeder. She was so talented and complimentary of our efforts. It was the first time I had been able to sing out without being teased by my big sisters. It was refreshing to be myself and to receive compliments from my teachers.
I remember liking the lazy summer days when there was a simple schedule, but I truthfully preferred the structured school days. It seemed that every several weeks had a new goal either in math, writing, or reading. I found it stimulating to have other ideas introduced into my normal routine.
I used to love looking at my textbooks and thinking about all of the things we would be learning about. It gave me constant things to look forward to.
As I got older, the stress of returning to school in the fall was more challenging to handle. Still, the topics became more and more interesting and the presence of other students made the days fly by.
As I got older and into Junior High School, and High School, my oldest sister was very ill. We spent many hours caring for her and making sure her needs were met. There was sadness in our home and I had a feeling that life had handed us a difficult set of situations to handle. I became more introspective and shy. I lost that wonderful feeling of belonging with my classmates. I still enjoyed my studies and found them to be a release from the reality we were all sharing at home.
School, for me, became a port in the storm. All I remember from these days was an overwhelming feeling of sadness. On the outside, I think I seemed to be fine. On the inside, I was in pain. My family had always meant the world to me and now things with our family were not right.
I have often wished that I could go back to High School and experience its joy and happiness. I don’t think our parents realized how difficult this time was for me. They were experiencing their grief, and doing the best they could.
As time goes on and I reflect on my High School days, I do remember loving the homecomings, the dances, the football games, and the comradery I felt with the other students. I just didn’t find the strength to overcome my feelings of sadness and loss.
Our sister passed away in the Spring of my Senior year in High School. I still miss her every day.
I hope all of you enjoy your days in school. It is an important time filled with great opportunities. Make the most of them.
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