08/20/2026
It’s weird that two out of three are in elementary school. Two of my kids are actively making memories of school that they’ll remember for the rest of their lives.
I remember being in kindergarten and crying because I didn’t finish an art project before recess and was worried I failed. I remember my mom Debbi Mashek reading to my class. I was so nervous to sit in front of everyone and have them look at me but was really really excited for my mom to be there.
I remember 2nd and 3rd grade, starting to have crushes and CONSTANTLY getting anxious about wearing the wrong clothes for the weather to school (would I be made fun of for wearing pants even though it was 80 by the time school was out?!?). I remember my Chicago Bulls Benny the Bull lunchbox and avoiding hot lunch at all costs.
I remember being so worried what others thought of me. I don’t know why. But I carried that through high school and college. I hope these kids don’t inherit my extreme anxiety and only remember going to the park with friends after school, the rush of speaking on the announcements for the whole school, and how excited they were to meet their teachers and new friends for the first time.
Here’s to a year of learning and failing and trying and thriving🥂
