Hill Editor’s note: The Bullard Banner News is proud of our young people here in Bullard and wants to wish them all the best as they start the new school year, especially our seniors at Bullard High School and Brook Hill School.

In honor of their achievements, and in honor of those who raised them, the Banner is publishing this perspective by drum major and BHS senior Chrystal Hill and submitted by Lou Ann Simmons, her grandmother.

At this time 12 years ago, I was preparing for my first day at school.

I was packing my little red backpack full of new supplies off a list provided during an open house.

I was trying on all of my new clothes and picking out what I was going to wear. My mom and I were deciding how I should wear my hair for the big first day.

After taking 50 million pictures that morning, I remember walking out of the front door carrying two boxes of Kleenex in my tiny arms with my backpack high on my shoulders, swinging my ponytail back and forth.

I rem ember walking through the doors of Bullard Elementary School hiding between my parents’ my parents’ legs. I remember walking into Mrs. Golden’s kindergarten class hidden behind my mommy’s legs.

I remember Mrs. Golden showing me my seat, my cubbyhole, and a hook to hang my jacket on when it got cold enough outside.

I remember fighting naptime because I thought I was too old for naps. I remember getting a piece of stickytack because I learned how to tie my shoes.

I remember doughnuts with Dad, muffins with Mom, and grandparents’ day. I remember saying the pledge of allegiance with Mrs. Hurst and singing the national anthem while holding hands with my classmates.

I remember having parties on every holiday no matter how small. I remember recess, computer class and P.E. I remember getting up on my birthday with three loose teeth and turning 6 years old. I remember getting up early every morning on my own free will because I loved going to school.

My, oh my, how times have changed!

This year, I had no idea what I would need for my first day as a senior.

This year, I will drive myself to school in my own car without my mommy. I will walk through the front doors of my alma mater once again.

I will go to my classes by myself. I will eat a lunch I have made for myself. I will have naptime during class, and I will get in trouble for it. I’ll use a pen to write my name on my homework instead of my teacher writing my name on a coloring sheet.

I won’t say the pledge with my principal, and I won’t sing the sational anthem alongside my classmates.

I won’t have a party for Christmas much less every little holiday. I don’t have P.E. or recess. I won’t have grandparents’ day or a day dedicated to each of my parents.

This year, I dread going back to school only because it’s my last first day. I’m not looking forward to going to school every day, because every day is one day closer to graduation.

I remember wanting to grow up so badly it killed me, but not this year. This year, I want time to come to a complete halt and let me enjoy what’s left of my youth.

I’m turning 18 soon. I’ll be a legal adult, and I’ll be out on my own.

This year, I want to be starting kindergarten.