Online Reporter
Laura Maposa-Youth Interactive Correspondent
The back-to-school period is more than just a transition but a mixed emotional journey accompanied with financial strain, last-minute purchases and bittersweet farewells.
Many parents find themselves in trouble with the harsh reality of such a period. Last-minute shopping is another common theme. Amid the chaos, there is always a breakthrough.
For many children, this marks not just a new academic year but also a farewell to friends and parents.
The back-to-school season is a busy period as parents and children try to overcome the challenges, eager to embrace new beginnings despite the hurdles that lie ahead.
Back to school time remains an emotional and stressful time for students, parents and teachers.
While, some children experience a mix of emotions when it comes to going to school, the goodbyes often leave both children and parents with some worries.
For Munashe Mashayamombe Grade 5, Darel T Chiwara a Form 4 and Talia Moyo a Form 3, said their worries are from school work.
“One thing I worry a lot about, though, is the amount of schoolwork I will be getting. I know I like procrastinating a lot, but it won’t help me at all with this. Another thing I’m worried about is asking for help. I’m scared that one of my teachers will get mad at me when I raise my hand to let them know I was falling behind.
“I was scared they’d ask why I wasn’t paying attention. It’s all me just being anxious, and I know they probably won’t do such things. My teachers are pretty friendly and welcoming.
“Well, sometimes. Most of the time, they will never leave a student behind (Well, maybe). Sometimes they come around to check on students to make sure everyone is on track. If anyone isn’t, they won’t get mad. They help the student. I think the teachers are already doing a great job of creating a safe and supportive environment.
“I’m already fine with how they are. They’re nice and not too demanding. So I won’t ask more of them. This school is nice, and I wouldn’t think of being anywhere else,” said Talia.
Darel a Form Four student at Prince Edward had this to say: “The only thing I feel strange about this school year is the cold. This year’s weather seems like it’s going to be very cold and waking up early to read might be a challenge.
“This school year seems like a roller coaster, but I want to tighten my seat belt and be careful not to fall from it, so I can reach the end.
“I have a bunch of plans for the college-entrance test, passing all my classes with straight As, college classes, and balancing more things in my life and working toward them is my biggest goal.
“There is nothing I worry about as much as my college-entrance tests. I always want to be a good example to my siblings. Because I never had an older sibling and I don’t know what it’s like to have one.
“Knowledge is power. I research every single thing that comes to my mind. There are a couple of keys to being successful in your educational goal: respect, hope, inspiration, love, hard work, belief, and walking in the right direction for that thing.
“From my experience, hope is the most important one, because there was a time when I lost my hopes and went in the wrong direction, but there were people that gave me hope.
Another Grade 5 student from Belvedere Primary school, Munashe Mashayamombe said: “I am definitely looking forward to challenging myself into getting good grades and being at the top of my class. It feels exciting to be back in school. Especially after being at home for what appeared to be a long time but was only about a month. I feel like if we see each other, we can have a better understanding because we see what each other is doing. The only thing worrying me the Winter season.
“My mother bought me new winter clothes but l doubt if it will be that warm because bathing in the morning so l bath the night before,”he giggled.
“As to where we did online learning during the holidays,it can be hard to show someone what you meant or try to teach someone.
“Lastly, the teachers are great, everyone’s helpful and understanding. They are very patient when teaching, and I appreciate that.”
