Schools Back! Seems scary right? Nah, not really.
The holidays are (finally) winding down, and those days spent soaking up the sun, hanging out with friends, annoying your parents to let you do more ‘stuff’, and a life free from homework seem like a distant memory. But let’s be fair, your real concern about heading back to school next week is the HOMEWORK. Nothing else really changes.
Whilst it seems to be the time of year when many of us have murdered our body clocks so we could stay up to ridiculous hours of the morning doing just whatever we like, we will be rudely awoken by that dreaded alarm soon enough. I hate my alarm. And conversely, I love my bed! It seems that “just 5 more minutes” will make a world of hurt good before parting with the warmth and comfort.
To be fair though, greater issues actually exist. The emergence of expectations, time management, along with the nerves of potentially meeting new people, the first days back to school can be an unsettling time for some. Regardless if these expectations come from family, friends, teachers, or even yourself, it’s important to just do it your way.
I went to 2 different primary schools, plus my parents home schooled during year 4 (long story), but that all seems like a lifetime away. Went I went to high school, my first day was a nightmare. I was selected into a school last minute, and was the only person from my primary school to go to this particular school, ever. I knew no one. The social anxiety was immeasurable, for about half an hour, then I felt like I’d know these people forever. Looking back, high school was one of the best time of my life, so enjoy it while it lasts!
For me, entering my fourth (and hopefully final) year of university, these issues still ring true, and maybe even more so. I get to meet a cohort of new people every semester, as my double degree runs on a pattern like none other. I relish the first week, meeting all these like minded people, new lectures, and even the homework! The importance of expectations and time management ring so true for me nowadays, with many juggling study with work, hobbies, and some sort of social life. It truly a remarkable skill set to harness and master during adolescents.
So as I look back on what could have been over this summer, I look forward to what could be of this year. Whether you are going back to school, TAFE, university, or anything else, join us right here on Monday 19 January at 8pm, AEST! We’ll be chatting about everything back to school, including any stories about your first day, and what you look forward to over the coming year.
Happy Monday everyone 
Welcome to tonight's Getting Real session!!! Tonight OrangeOliver, Sophie and I will be co-faciliating. We are chatting about going back to school/study and the good and bad feelings we have associated with that. If we go in positive then atleast the first few weeks will be good weeks and then we can find ways to cope through out the year.
So thank you all for coming tonight, it shall be an awesome night 
As you all know, it is important to keep to the forum guidelines please have a read if you haven't already and if at any time you need to talk, check the emergency tab at the top right and get some support.
So to start us off tonight:
What will you miss about the holiday season?
Q1. What will you miss about the holiday season?
A: I will miss sleeping in! But mainly not having to worry about assessment deadlines and THEORISTS!
Heyo! Can't believe I actually made it on here, first free Monday night in so long!
What will you miss about the holiday season?
The first thing that came to mind makes me feel old: earning money! I'll still have part time work during uni (Honours this year! Eek!) but nowhere near as many hours therefore nowhere near as much money 
Of course there's also the whole no 'homework', chances to sleep in, more time to see friends and do other things (or do nothing) as well!
