It’s the end of the school year, which is a celebratory time for many. We often think of school as a place to learn information, but our memories never align with that particular idea.

We remember the teachers – not for what they taught, but how they taught. We also remember them for how they conducted themselves with students and outside the classroom.

We remember our friends and the times we shared with them. Conversely, we also remember the tough times with them as well.

We remember some of our peers for their ridiculous behaviour, both good and bad.

We remember the questionable items in the cafeteria servery.

Those things we remember are the things we miss.

What we don’t miss are the constant bells that dictate our schedule, pressure to perform well on one test, disappointment at a grade, meaningless assignments, the drama and the immaturity.

We also don’t miss the bullying, the popularity contests and the rumour mill, which dictated if you hadn’t heard a good rumour by 10am… start one.

While I miss some of the freedom being young afforded, I won’t miss the hard life lessons learned for the first time.

The first time you find out your parents aren’t perfect is the end of your childhood. When you finally forgive them for it, it’s the end of your adolescence.

I won’t miss adolescence because the freedom I have now is even greater.