New School year.

I suppose all the parents will be looking forward to the end of the long summer holidays.....and the children will probably be looking forward to going back to school too......I am sure that there is a frenzy of activity in many households as new uniforms are made ready.....badges sewn on.....name tapes ironed into kit.....school books assembled.

In a few short weeks my own daughter is off to University...she is half looking forward to it and half dreading it.
It isn't like she will be leaving home as she is due to study at UCLAN in Preston.
Why is she dreading it - well, it might have something to do with the fact that she is a 'mature' student,with a young son and a toddler to think about too.

She has invested a lot of time and effort into getting the qualifications which allow her to access her chosen degree course.
I know how hard it is going to be, as I was once a'mature' student too.
I truly wish she had done her studying while she was at school....and she does too, but she will freely admit that she thought it wasn't important at the time.
Having children has brought education into sharp focus for her.
I have promised my help and support, but would say to all the young folk..........
'Make the very best of all the opportunites to learn all you can while you are at school. It is far harder to do these things when you have other responsibilities as well, though determination and focus are usually better developed as you get older. Make your parents proud of your achievements'

Here endeth the first lesson!