Socially speaking, it was an awkward time, and for someone with a tendency towards being high strung, being a student gave me plenty to worry about.
Despite both of those things, my scholastic years were some of my happiest. As the daughter of an educator, I’d learned early on the importance of always growing yourself and learning something new. Even after I’d graduated from journalism school (that’s me, as a shiny new grad!) and embarked on my career, I was never really finished, returning time and again to study photography, leadership, technical writing, and most recently, law. As a mother of two littles, time at the present is at a premium, but I still manage to sneak in short courses, conferences and workshops.
The editor as a Ryerson University journalism grad. Photo courtesy Tracey Tong
I’m not being facetious when I say that the most wonderful time of the year is approaching once again. Are your children making a long-awaited return to in-person classes, or has your family opted for virtual classes or to homeschool? Rest assured, each one is the right decision, and those crisp autumn days punctuated with the excitement of new friends, new teachers, and satisfying challenges will soon be here. At Parenting Times Magazine, we’re here to support you with our back-to-school-themed edition.
Columnists Chris Hunt, Kita Szpak and Jon Willing can always be counted on for a few good tales. Treat their wares as a kind of adult version of circle time and curl up with your favourite beverage — be it apple juice or Earl Grey — to relive their school days.
What will school look like after COVID-19? Writer Sheryl Bennett-Wilson spoke to officials about the changes kids can expect when that first bell rings. Bennett-Wilson also brings you a story on how to start the 2021-2022 academic year on the right foot.
We haven’t forgotten the littles who aren’t quite ready for school, or their harried parents. Mike Carroccetto has a roundup of the best toys and books of the season, and we have a story about the importance of alone (a.k.a. “me”) time.
This fall, whether you’re watching your child resume studies, or heading back yourself; long finished or longing to go back; remember this: learning is a lifelong endeavor, and being a student doesn’t require you to sit behind a desk.
Best wishes,
Tracey