Farewell school
True life: Leaving school and preparing for the next stage in life.
It recently dawned on me that there are only a few weeks ahead before I must embark into the real world. Having spent fifteen years of my life in this familiar place, I must finally stroll down the stone corridors, close the door behind me and leave.
My departure from school brings with it an air of nostalgia. I can still remember my first day of school in September 1992. I entered the scary looking building hand in hand with my mum, in a pressed pink smock and shining patent shoes. This was a day I had greatly anticipated for weeks, having watched my brothers go to school previously. I wanted to go too and so I did. However my fears set in when I realised my mum would be leaving me. I clung to her as tears streamed down my face but after short negotiations with the teacher I was rendered free of my mother’s clutches and left desolate in a classroom of many other small children, each dressed the same as I was.
I soon came to terms with my abandonment and made some friends. Together we shared our feelings of loneliness in this foreign place, whilst we traced our insets and painted pictures. Life in school was great, each day I did a bit of reading, drank my milk and ate my sandwiches and at break time I swapped my shiny, patent shoes for red wellies and played in the mud.
Time moved quickly and days turned into weeks and weeks into years, until now when my school days are flashing before my eyes: the day I read my first book (I must admit the font was size 72), my First Holy Communion, my first hockey match- the memories are endless.
My departure from school has come upon me so quickly; it seems like only yesterday that I was a little First Year wandering the corridors in a state of bewilderment looking for room 305. Soon I will swap my turquoise ensemble for more trendy attire. I will no longer have to stand in lines of military precision and remain silent, adhering to the orders of the teachers. I will finally let myself wear a multi coloured hair bobbin or perhaps two necklaces- my freedom is unfolding before me.
However, school has not solely taught me manners, subjects of an academic nature and imposed rules upon me. I've also learnt much more. I have learnt things that will be valuable to me throughout my life, I've had the chance to do, see and experience things that I will never forget.
Now it is time to move on, my time in school is done and I will venture into new things. I must now pack up my things and leave - farewell school.
By Barbara Feeney
This article is part of the SpunOut.ie true life stories section – a space for young people to share their experiences of tough times and encourage others to seek help. This story is just one person's experience and it may be different for you. Remember that no matter what you are going through, there is help and support available. See the Find help section for more information: http://www.spunout.ie/help/
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