Ah, back-to-school season.
Suddenly, the lines to check out at Target become insanely long, with even the self-checkout lanes swollen with parents, kids, and school supplies galore. The malls become a sea of coupon-clippers, kids wanting that overly-priced sweater because "everyone's wearing it," and moms saying, "I won't buy that if you can't wear it to school." Every "lifestyle" YouTuberis uploading a series of "Back-to-School Life Hacks" with a few too many DIYs and emojis. High schoolers rush to read that really boring summer reading book they've been avoiding all summer but now have to read because school starts, well, tomorrow.
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I love back-to-school season.
However, back-to-school season is much more fun than the real back-to-school experience. I'd much rather buy new clothes and decorate my school supplies (thank you lifestyle YouTubers) all day than wake up at the crack of dawn every day to catch the school bus and do AP Calculus homework.
I was so pumped up for back-to-school, but then I actually got to school. If you know me, you know I love school nonetheless, but here are some of my back-to-school expectations versus realties that made the excited back-to-school jitters die down quite a bit:
Expectation: I've been so bored all summer! I can't wait to get back into my daily school routine, get to go to new classes and do something productive.
Reality: Oh wait, you mean I actually have to do work? Nah, I'll pass on those 50 Calculus problems you want to give me. No, really, I'm good without the homework.
Expectation: I love buying new clothes for school! Fall is just around the corner, so I need to stock up on all of the cute boots, jeans, sweaters, and flannels that I can get. I can't wait to debut my new outfits for everyone to see!
Reality: Oh yeah, it's still August and 100 degrees outside.
Expectation: Man, look at all of these adorable ripped jeans, off-the-shoulder tops, sleeveless/open back dresses, shorts, leggings, and rompers that stores are coming out with for the fall season! I'm going to be the most stylish person in school, for sure.
Reality: Whoops, I'm in school. I have to dress like a nun or I'll get a referral!! My shoulders are just too seductive.
Expectation: I just can't wait to see all of my friends! I've missed them all SO much! (Let's ignore the fact that I didn't once bother to try and contact any of them to hang out).
Reality: Yeah, I was only excited to see about three people. I forgot that I have to see the rest of you everyday. Sigh.
Expectation: Woo! I'm finally a senior! SENIORITY RULES!!!
Reality: No, I don't know what I want to be when I grow up. Why do all of these college applications have so many writing supplements? Why does senior year cost so much? Yes, I know I'm wearing a t-shirt for the third day in a row. Is it bad if I skip the second day of school? I only brought one pencil today.
Expectation: All right, my crush and I are actually going to be a thing this year. We've been texting all summer.
Reality: Yeah, we don't even have a class together. Have I mentioned that we haven't even formally met?
Expectation: I can't wait for the first day of freshman year! High school's going to be the best four years of my life, especially considering high school is exactly like High School Musical. I wonder when I'll have my first opportunity to jump on a table and belt out in song!
Reality: Well, everyone's bigger than me, the food is gross, no one wants to be here, and, surprisingly, there is no singing and dancing.
Expectation: I'm going to get up every day at 6 A.M. so that I have plenty of time to shower, do my makeup, pick out a cute outfit, pack a delicious lunch, eat a healthy breakfast, and get to school early so I can hang out with my friends.
Reality: IT'S TOO EARLY FOR THIS.
Who's ready for the daily 7 A.M. to 3 P.M. grind? Got to love back-to-school!
