We were having so much fun, running out in the sunshine. It wasn’t too hot or too cold. We actually agreed the temperature was just perfect. Dinner was delicious, as it had always been, but now we needed to burn some of those extra calories so we went out to play. As soon as the street lights came on though we were to stop playing and go inside. Here it was, the end of summer. I was SO excited to go back to school and see all my friends. Many of them I had seen over the summer, but all of us were hoping we’d be in the same class.

My mom had prepared everything for me just as it was supposed to be. My clothes were ready to wear because I had already selected them. I didn’t want anything to make me late in the morning. I hate to be late and I know it drives mom crazy if I am. Dad made sure I had everything I needed. I was mentally prepared and ready for just about anything. Sure I was a little nervous and if I thought about it too long, I already felt butterflies in my stomach.

So there I was, ready. But ready for what? Ready for…? Oh man, I don’t even know. What will he think of me? I know I will try my best in his class but will he like me? What if I try my absolute best in his class but I don’t get the best of grades? Even worse, what if I don’t try very hard and do very little homework all year? THEN my grades will be bad and I’ll definitely be disappointed in myself. I guess if that happens, I certainly can’t blame him.

It never occurred to me that he, Mr. Petris, might be feeling some of the same things I have been feeling. Nervousness, excitement, and even a little scared. Wow, I just realized that I already have something in common with Mr. Petris…we’re both human! Cool, that came just in time. I know I always do better when I feel comfortable. This is going to be one sweet year!