To those shiny new pencils, that clean new notebook, and those un-ripped folders:

There’s something about opening up that plastic package and hearing it pop open and taking out those brand-spanking-new pencils or pens. The pencils, obviously Ticonderoga because that is hands down the best brand, have that new lead smell, the smell of new possibilities and discoveries. With brand new pencils and pens comes the potential for writing the next hit novel or writing the perfect love note to your school sweetheart. And when you open up that brand new box of Crayola crayons or markers, there is no better feeling than seeing those perfectly sharpened tips. Those crayons or markers could lead to the next Picasso or Mona Lisa, or more likely a myriad of school projects and posters. And when you feel super organized and prepared for the year by meticulously matching your new notebooks with the colors of your folders, you feel so ready for your classes. And obviously you pick out packages of post-its in all colors and more highlighters than one could ever need, even though you probably have a drawer full of extras from last year, but who knows what important stuff you might need to mark? And of course, you convince your parents to buy the best erasers, new sharpies, tape, scissors, colorful pens and everything else you might need because even though they might not be necessary, you got to have everything just in case for the best and most organized notes.

There’s just something soothing about seeing all of those new supplies and their endless possibilities. It’s so exciting walking into a Staples, or OfficeMax or Target and going to the supply aisle and looking at the plethora of options in front of you. Having brand new supplies sets you up for the next school year or newest project perfectly; it’s a clean slate, a new beginning.

Ever since I was a kid, I always looked forward to our yearly trip to the school supply store. It was the most exciting thing to get the list of necessary supplies from your school and then go to the store and pick out everything you wanted. To this day, I still enjoy doing my school supply shopping and often find myself being drawn to that aisle in a store even when I am doing unrelated shopping. School supplies hold a special place in my heart, and I will look forward to buying new one’s next year because along with a shiny new pen comes the opportunity to explore every idea or thought that my mind touches.

Sincerely,

A lover of new possibilities and a newly sharpened colored pencil