New Beginnings

With the new school year comes a new beginning for teachers and students across the globe.

​By: Micayla Kinder

It’s that time of year again... the time of year when store aisles are packed with families bustling to get the best quality lunch boxes, most fashionable backpacks, the healthiest snacks, and the sharpest pencils for their children to help ensure their success this school year. It’s the time of year when college students around the nation prepare for the new football season and load up on their college gear. Some students may dread it, others may look forward to it, but one things for certain: the back to school season is a time of new beginnings.
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Children Beyond Our Borders, Inc. Operations Director, Shana Call, is a University of Florida alumni and currently teaches high school in Orlando, Florida. Shana spoke briefly about what excites her about going back to school.

“My favorite part of the back to school season is the thought of a new beginning,” Shana said. “New teachers, new students, and new learning opportunities. No matter what kind of year you had last year this year is a chance to turn things around.”

As a teacher, Shana sees first hand how students react to being back in the classroom.
“I think most students initially are excited to see their friends but may be less excited about waking up early, getting back into a routine, and having homework,” Shana said. “I think it's important for kids to be excited about school and learning because keeping an open mind leads them down the road to undiscovered opportunities.”
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Shana is not only a teacher but she is also a mom and believes that students should not only be do their best in school but also choose to have a character that is kind.
“As a mom I think the most important thing for kids to remember is to treat others how you want to be treated,” Shana said.

Shana is a teacher who works hard to ensure that her students learn everything they need to and excel in their academics.
“The best part of being back at school and teaching is all the opportunities I have to make connections with new students. My students are special and have unique needs and learning styles, my job is to find out how to reach them in the most effective and efficient way possible. This is the most interesting part of my job.”

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​Another person excited about the new school year is Children Beyond Our Borders Fundraising Intern, Valentina Betancur.
Valentina is a returning intern who is entering her Junior year at the University of Florida. Valentina is excited about both her new classes and all that the fall semester will bring.
“School in the fall is always more exciting than the other semesters for some reason,” Valentina said. “What I’m looking forward to the most this fall is just the energy and excitement that comes from the football games and Gator Growl and other school events.”
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Valentina stated that she agrees with Shana about the fact that fall is a time of new beginnings.
“I think that my favorite part of fall semester is that since it’s a new year, you kind of get the opportunity to redefine yourself,” Valentina said. “You can join new clubs and organizations and explore to see what your interests are.”

Valentina is also excited about returning for another semester with Children Beyond Our Borders!
“I began as a fundraising in CBOB during the summer semester this year so this is my second semester as a fundraising intern for the organization,” Valentina said. “I’m looking forward to taking on some new responsibilities with my position since I’m more familiar and comfortable with CBOB now.”

From football games, to new teachers and new friends, it’s evident that the start of school year brings an abundance of new and exciting things. Children Beyond Our Borders would like to wish you luck as you head back to school! Remember to work hard, be yourself and make the most of every opportunity that comes your way!

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