I’ve always wondered if astronomers and meteorologists ever get annoyed with people claiming that Labor Day is the end of summer. Do they get upset knowing full well that summer lasts a few more weeks, scientifically speaking? Another interesting thing is that we always say Labor Day is the end of summer, but we never say it is the start of fall. What do we call those few weeks in-between? It is a magical fifth season called sumtumn perhaps? Or maybe fummer? Either way, I think I’ll agree with the general population in saying Labor Day is the end of summer. Sorry scientists.

It is pretty obvious why Labor Day is considered the end of summer. The days are noticeably shorter and the air is a bit cooler. The leaves are starting to change and apples are starting to taste better. Football is back in full swing and baseball is heading toward the playoffs. But the most telling sign that summer is over is the school year is beginning. This is not such a big deal to me now because I have no summer vacation, but the fact school is starting evokes some interesting memories.

I know for a fact that I never looked forward to going back to school. It was easily the most depressing part of the year during my youth. It was like that all the way through college. I guess that is pretty common though. What is interesting about all of this is that when I look back at it, I remember the start of school fondly, well college anyway. The fact is I really don’t remember the start of school for most of my school years, but I clearly can remember the first few weeks of college. Now I know that, at the time, I dreaded the start of class, but for some reason I don’t remember it that way. When I look back on it, the memories are all good. I remember seeing the people that I missed over the summer, the easy first day of classes, getting out to the first parties, and walking around campus late at night with good friends. Clearly the start of classes was not the end of the world that is seemed at the time.

The mind is an amazing thing. I find it interesting that I remember something that I hated so much, so fondly. Maybe I am just getting old and looking back is more pleasing than looking forward. Maybe it is because the start of school was a good time for me and I was too stubborn to admit that I enjoyed it. What ever the reason, I’m glad that I have such good memories of the first day of classes. It is nice to look back and feel good once in a while.