School is starting without me.

It's time for school to start. The last four Septembers, I was getting ready for school along with my kids. Packing up my green backpack with everything I'd need for the semester made me giddy with excitement. My kids teased me that I probably wouldn't need band-aids or aspirin, but I wanted to be prepared. They didn't know it, but I also had wet wipes and a mini stapler. I always packed a roll of mints to share with whomever I sat by, too. I printed my class schedule and practiced in my head the best route to each class. I usually sat on the left side of the room facing the professor. OK, I always sat there. Never in the very front, never in the very back--somewhere in the middle and always on the left.

I bought a new notebook at the beginning of all eight semesters. Each class had its own section. In the left margin, I made a list of books that were talked about in class that I wanted to read when I wasn't reading something required. In the right margin, I doodled when I was bored and drew pictures to help me remember the lecture. On the top right-hand corner of the page, I would occasionally jot down what I felt like that day or how the weather was outside. I love to look back through my notebooks.

My favorite class, Crime and Correction, was taught by Stephen Bahr. It was hands-on and I liked that. We visited the courts, the day reporting center, and the prison. We talked to real people who had made choices that changed their lives. Many of them were in the process of trying to get back on track. The statistics are very much against their victory. I cheer for them everyday.

OK, so I had two favorite classes. I loved Biology. We learned all about birds of North America, as well as bears and bats. I can identify 100 birds by sight and 25 by their song. The class was the craziest mix of learning I've ever experienced. Dr. Hall Black is passionate about teaching and his uncanny style helped me appreciate nature more than ever.

My least favorite class was a sociology theory class. It's a pretty dry subject anyway, and the Professor Monotone finished it off. I was never so glad to see a semester come to an end.

I am most proud of passing statistics while planning Lynzy's wedding and Christmas shopping.

I'm going to miss the first day of school.