24 May 2020

Despite what’s going on around us, schools and classrooms are (slowly but surely) filling back up across Australia.

For some, this is the best news of 2020. Well to be honest, there isn’t much competition for what is the best news in 2020 judging from the year we’ve experienced so far.  But let’s push that aside, because today may have been the first time in months that you’ve seen your mates or feel like your studies are back on track. Hoorah!

But for others, going back to school is worse than being dragged to every awkward social gathering by your rents. First day back may have seen you wake at ungodly hours compared to what you’re normally used to (let’s be real, past noon wake ups are ethereal) or having to sit in a classroom for a subject you could care less about. Nope!

Whatever your first day shaped up to be, there are at least ten things you experienced on your first day back after iso. Here’s some of ‘em.

1. Feeling giddy about seeing your mates

Hallelujah. Seeing your mates for the first time in a really, really, REALLY long time just hits different.

After being cooped up in home and doing classes digitally, there is certainly a newfound appreciation for your mates. The appreciation may have been SO much that it may have led to the second thing you experienced on your first day back…

2. Blatantly disregarding social distancing rules

Now not all of you may have done this, but the power of friendship may have been so overwhelming that you just had to ignore social distancing rules for a hot minute.

If that were the case, it was hugs, handshakes, fist bumps and weird ritualistic greetings galore.

I don’t blame you because it’s exciting to experience the hustle and bustle of everyone seeing each other for the first time in a while, but you know the drill for next time.

3. Basking in the glory of the canteen

Yeeeeeeeehaw! Who would’ve thought you’d be grateful to see the canteen back in swing! From the canteen staff’s beautiful faces, to ridiculously overpriced sausage rolls, the canteen is a blessing.

I mean, c’mon… you can get the sweet nectarine of life that is choccy milk!

4. Awkwardly seeing someone use a bubbler

Now it’s best practice to bring your own water bottle to school because honestly, bubblers are nasty (fight me). Especially during a time like this.

But for sure there was at least one absolute menace that would’ve used a bubbler without a second thought. Takes guts to stare germs in the face like that, period.

5. Awkwardly seeing someone who is coughing or sneezing in class

Need I say more? Can also guarantee “corona” was shouted multiple times during the awkward moment too. Peak comedy, folks.

Nah but for real, very awkward.

6. Feeling uncomfortable in your uniform

It’s been a long god damn time that you’ve had to wear a belt, an itchy wool jumper or anything with buttons.

Unfortunately, the days of squirming in your uniform due to uncomfortableness are back. And so, the days of PJs, trackies and oversized hoodies must be saved for the weekends.

7. Feeling annoyed you can’t mute somebody in class

Your first day back has probably been a stern reminder that you just cannot stand some people in class. Can’t blame ya, tbh.

The blessing about classes being online was that you could just mute them, but now your hands are tied. Hang in there, bud.

8. Surprisingly happy to see your teachers - even the bad ones

It’s alright to admit it, this is a safe space. Nah but jokes aside, deep down it was really nice to have an interaction with someone older than you that isn’t your parents. For now, at least.

But it's even better seeing some of your fave teachers who teach your fave subjects. You just click.

9. Forgetting how tiring it is to be physically present

By physically present, I mean being at school, socialising with your mates and sitting in class trying to make sense of what the hell your teacher is talking about.

Looks like after school naps are back on, baby!

10. The sound of relief with ringing of the final bell of the day

No beatin’ round the bush, the first day back at school after iso would’ve been absolutely exhausting. That final bell would’ve been music to your ears.

On the first day back after iso, you would’ve experienced a myriad of emotions - whether you were happy to be back socialising with mates or hating that you were sitting in a classroom.

But something that’s real exciting to think about is that hopefully (just hopefully), things will go back to normal. Slowly, but surely.