As I sat down to prepare to write an article this week, I thought of the one theme that has controlled the last month of my life, and that is the beauty of starting over: starting fresh. My English major with a concentration in Literature has taught me many things, one of which being that there are recurring themes in literature. Spring, as a season, is a literary symbol for rebirth, new life, and growth. However, for we students, and future teachers know more prominently, real life--in New England anyway--is reborn in the Fall.

Fall is the reality of many new experiences: new school year, new weather, new flavors. Fall sports start up again which, yes, means Patriots are back. For those of you out there, like myself, who are 9 months behind on your New Year’s Resolution, Fall is an opportunity for a new year. I’m not sure if it’s the crisp weather that sweeps in, pushing out the humidity, or the shorter hours of sunshine encouraging us to get more sleep and recharge, or just a realization of the beautiful season that is approaching, this time is opportune for a fresh start.

For me, this fresh start is coming in two forms: work ethic and motivation. Work ethic, in this case, is essential in helping me to adjust to my final semester of college. From a student in a classroom to a student teacher controlling a classroom, there are no longer allowances for procrastination. What once would lead to an extended deadline would now be 19 blank faces staring up at you, with nothing prepared for the hour ahead. My first fresh start as a teacher is this work ethic to stay on track and get my work done via lesson planning or correcting: as I will expect my students to do what I ask of them in a timely manner.

Secondly, I must maintain the qualities that have lead me to this point in my life: to find the motivation for living a fast-paced and healthy lifestyle amidst the chaos in my schedule as a barre instructor, student-teacher, and college field hockey player. I may be nine months behind, but my resolution to eat foods that are better for me and to find the time to exercise knowing that it helps to clear my head and repress my anxieties must be primary as I start fresh this Fall.

As I have learned time and time again, it is never too late to start over, to start fresh. No matter what your ultimate goal, you do not need a Monday, or a new month, or a new year to make a change. Though literature tells us that the best time to make these changes is Spring, as a New England native, I argue that Fall is our new year. There is such beauty in this season, as there is such beauty in making a fresh start for yourself. Whenever you read this, happy day 1.