One of the most common themes that emerges at a given time of the year for community events and well wishes is the celebration of "back to school" that largely encompasses most of the month of August in this community and others.

After seeing "back to school" events advertised around town, school supply giveaways, fall sports team practices and now games, seniors painting their personal parking space at some of the high schools and even prayer walks through our schools, the big day is finally here: Monday marks the first day of class for nearly all Public Schools of Robeson County students. (If you're among the small percentage who already began, this column still applies.)

I remember the anticipation of the first day of school when I was a grade-school student and how that always conjured up some kind of emotion. And, I'll be candid here, the emotions were not always entirely positive, with anxiousness about what the new year may bring. Kids, if you feel that way, that's OK, even normal.

While The Robesonian is intended for all ages, many of the stories in it aren't about subjects that students will find all that interesting or applicable, from the collection and usage of tax dollars to consumer-based news or even crime. One story in this edition is about an event for children, the school-day performances of the Carolina Civic Center's Christmas Show, but is aimed at the eyeballs of their teachers, who are invited to purchase tickets for their class.

But students, if you read one thing in this weekend's edition of The Robesonian (though I genuinely hope you read much more), this column is the one for you. Consider it your back-to-school pep talk. It wasn't all that long ago, in the grand scheme of things, that I was in your shoes, ultimately graduating from a public school in a neighboring county along the Border Belt.

You may be very excited, you may be very anxious or you may be indifferent as the school year gets set to begin. But if you are worried about what may be to come, think of the good things about your previous school experience, from the friends you've made to the interesting things you've learned in your very favorite class. There will be more of both the friendship and the fun facts to come in this school year, I have no doubt. If you're one of the eager ones awaiting Monday's first day, I'm guessing those are among the reasons why.

Adjusting to new teachers and classmates is part of personal growth. Whether you end up loving your new teachers or despising them, remember that they are there because they want to see you succeed. If they are stern, it's only because they're trying to help you learn. Usually, they'll go above and beyond to do anything they can for you -- especially if you behave and pay attention, earning the benefit of the doubt -- because teachers are real-world superheroes.

If your relationship with a classmate(s) becomes problematic, from internet bullying or even physical harm, or any other reason, do not be afraid to tell an adult; your teachers and administrators are there to help you solve the problem. You are not alone in these situations or, generally speaking, in life. The same also goes for mental health -- and school counselors are an asset in these times of crisis.

Cell phone use in the classroom has been in the news lately (I would know, wink), and I know that some of you students may not be thrilled about PSRC's updated policy which says cell phones must be out of sight during instruction time. But this is a good rule, one which will help you to avoid distractions -- and my phone distracts me way too much even as a 30-year-old adult -- and result in you more thoroughly achieving the objective of learning. I'm young enough that I did have a cell phone in high school; I survived with it turned off for those six hours, and you can too.

And lastly, don't forget to have fun! While I know the classwork can sometimes get tedious, always remember to enjoy the time you get to spend with your friends, from the classroom to the playground, and in extracurricular activities from sports to music to quiz bowl to student clubs. Those memories will stay with you for the rest of your life, often more so than some of the material you're being taught. Don't lose sight of the fact you're there to learn, but don't get so caught up in your studies that you lose the enjoyable parts of the educational journey.

And, if you can find ways to make the learning a part of the fun, the whole experience will become that much more safisfying.

Editor Chris Stiles can be reached at 910-416-5847 or by email at [email protected].