Today is bittersweet. It is the first day of school which I always enjoy. Even now that I’m a grad student, I still struggle with falling asleep the night before, set out my clothes, and have my bag all ready to go. Though back-to-school shopping is pretty dismal (what do I really need that I don’t have?), I still walk down all the aisles of school supplies.

But today is my LAST first day of school. Probably ever. In December I’ll be graduating for the last time, but right now, I’m starting a semester for my last time. I absolutely love being a student, but it is definitely time to move on. And that makes me just sad. If someone would pay me to be a professional student, I would totally do it. I love learning (which is of course something I can do outside the classroom, but still) and the pressure of being a student, most of the time. I’ve been a student for as long as I can remember, and the thought of not being a student one day is scary.

I was fortunate in that I didn’t have to struggle with entering the real world after college graduation. And I really won’t this time around either, as I already have 3 years worth of real experience prior to graduation and my transition to working full-time is happening now, not in December or January. But today, my last first day of school, will remain bittersweet.