Our Viewpoint: Take advantage of new experiences

I very vividly remember my first day of kindergarten. My mom took me to school, walked me to Mrs. Garrison's class in the dorm building, started to walk away, and I burst into tears. I think the only way she got me to stay was by having my friend Brooke distract me.

I still get those same first-day-of-school jitters when I start a new project, go somewhere I've never been or even when I pick up the phone to conduct an interview. It always turns out just fine and I'm happy for new experiences and new acquaintances.

As kids go back to school this week, my advice is to take advantage of every new experience. Try new sports, take art or welding, sit with someone new at lunch or join 4-H. Those first day of school feelings will pass. When you get to be seniors, you'll be celebrating all the last first days of school, last classes, last games. But then you move on to new experiences that bring a whole new pile of friends and memories.

Those of us not stepping into the halls of local schools need to take advantage of all the activities the schools offer for entertainment. Go support the kids at the fair with their 4-H projects or feel the energy at the first home soccer game this Saturday. Line the streets for the upcoming homecoming parades. Get involved by reading in classrooms or teaching an adult education class.

To all the students, good luck in your school year. We look forward to hearing about all your new experiences.