Detour: Going back to school.

Today was back to school day and all I can think of is that thankfully I’m done with school.

No more waking up early in the mornings, taking quick showers, stuffing down cornflakes and rushing for the bus. 

No more trying to stay attentive in class. And when the syllabus is explained and the upcoming tests are already scheduled? My thoughts: Ugh, no!

Then there’s the pressure of making friends, being popular just so you can be picked first when teams are formed during sports. 

Many of us walk out with lifelong friendships, others simply with bullying scars. 

The worst part is not even writing the exams, it’s the anxiety that envelops you until the grades come out. 

During that small break between exams and results, it is the answers you’ve written going over and over in your head, like a wheel that goes round but doesn’t move ahead. 

Even if you’re a top student, the anticipations hits you from all sides. What if you didn’t get an A this time?

If you’re weaker in academics, all you can think about is making it through. Even if by a mark. And hopefully the teacher is in a good mood when she grades papers.

The only thing that would get me remotely excited about school would be the smell of new textbooks, and the shopping for new pencil cases, pens, and backpacks. 

And sometimes, when the weather is nice, the bus ride to school isn’t that dreary. The early morning sun is a beautiful vision that promises new opportunities and experiences. 

These small things make going back to school a bit easier, I suppose, yet I will never wish myself back. Especially now that education is so expensive. 

I’m glad to have moved on and not write another exam paper that will take me ahead to the next class. I’m happy I don’t have to do complicated math and chemistry formulas and equations anymore. 

I still love learning, and will pick up a textbook every now and then. But this time, I get to pick the subject