October Skies

It is the first of October. Still, the days fly by and we slowly say goodbye to our youth. No, it's not that dramatic, but college has really taught me how to be independent. I guess there's no way out of it. It is quite an experience. Well, homework keeps stacking up. I feel like I am working really hard, but am I? I have no idea. Damn you midterms and papers.

Picture day is on Wednesday. Yes, picture day. It is for the school I tutor at. I was told today that I am going to be in the picture. Jesus Christ. Picture day seemed so frivolous back then. They happened every year and I failed to dress up for them. It's strange, to tutor at an elementary school. I remember I always said (or thought) that if I could go back in time and relive some of my childhood, it would most definitely be the time when I was in the 4th grade. Now I'm tutoring 4th graders. It's like being a kid again. So how is picture day for them? Are they dreading it? Are they excited? Are the boys going to wear nice collared shirts? Are the girls going to do their hair and wear dresses with cute matching shoes that probably won't be in the picture? I am trying to think what went on in my mind, but the only thing I remember is hating picture day because I didn't know how to smile.

I feel different about it now. Trivial things like taking a class picture every year may in fact be very significant to people years later. The pictures we take year after year show us how much we've changed; from our physical appearance to our interests.

I wish I had my pictures with me right now. I'd lay them down in a row and reminisce on the days where I didn't care about college or growing up or how long it would take me to pay back my loans or being able to support my parents when they are old.


Ah, the responsibilities that come with adolescence.