Schools set to reopen in UAE after summer break

Lubna Abbas speaks to UAE-based students about the joys and pains of getting back to class after summer break.

If you're a student you're probably excited and maybe a bit sad that summer is over. Some of you who are starting a new academic year or joining a new school may be feeling nervous about the first day because of thoughts like: 'Are there going to be new teachers?' 'Will I be making new friends? Will they like me?'
Luckily, these worries only stick around for a little while. Once you give it some time you'll find yourself adjusting beautifully. When there are new teachers, they usually start off by introducing themselves and asking the names of the students.
I remember that being my favourite part because it would cut the studying period short! It's a great day to make new friends as well. Sometimes, there are a few new admissions during this time, so try to say hello to the new kids.
Make the first move and you'll be glad you did and so will your new friend! You're probably thinking, 'Where did the summer go?' The vacation never seems long enough. I remember how seeing 'Back to School' signs in every shopping centre would make me depressed. But believe it or not, at some point of time, staying at home becomes boring as well.
So instead of feeling low about going back to school, try to think positive. A few students in the UAE spoke about what they liked and disliked about starting school again, and their focus for the rest of the year.
Soha Mujeeb
Age: 17
Grade: 11
India International School, Sharjah
"The best thing about going back is being with friends again, five days in a week! As much as we believe that going back to school will be boring, when it comes to friends, ironi-cally, it isn't."As for what I dislike, it's waking up early, doing home-work and of course missing free time at home. During the holidays, it's a relief when you don't have to wake up early and there is no homework, nor are there any tests. But once the vacation ends, the strict, busy routine starts. "Students have to focus on their academics and stud-ies. But having fun with your friends and teachers is also essential, since these days will not come back and someday we'll cherish all these beautiful memories."So my focus will be on small pleasures that we get in school, knowledge we gain and most importantly, I'll try to make everyone proud and stay happy."
Sagrika Walia
Age: 15
Grade: 11
India International School, Sharjah
"The best thing about going back to school is meeting up with friends in class and talking about how we spent our summer vacation. The worst thing for probably each and every teen is packing bags and waking up early. What needs to be focused on throughout the year is making your parents smile. Keep studying hard so that when they see your results, they will hug you tight and be proud of you. That's the least we can do for them."
Akshit Sharma
Age: 15
Grade: 11
School: Our Own English High School, Fujairah
"The best thing about school is that you learn a lot of new things, even the ones out of your textbook. You meet new people and are open to a bigger social circle of diverse cultures. "The worst thing about going to school is negative criticism passed by friends and teachers that create an inferiority complex in many students, leading to depression. The most important thing is to focus on throughout the year is co-curriculars. Because at the end of the day, you get paid for your skills and not for your school grades. This does not mean you don't need to focus on school grades and studies, as they too are an essential part of school life."
Sohail Amer
Age: 16
Grade :11
School: India International School, Sharjah
"The holidays refreshed me, so now I can go back to school with more resolutions.The thing I hate the most about going back is that from the first day itself, we get busy with the routine and have to immediately start the year's preparations. "I would advise students to be diligent, punctual, studious and hardworking. Always maintain a healthy relationship with teachers and classmates."
Aarushi Sharma
Age: 15
Grade: 10
Delhi Private School, Sharjah
"The best thing about going back to school would definitely be falling back into the old familiar routine of fun and study. Meeting friends is also a plus. The worst thing is the exam pressure, the pressure to live up to each and everyone's expectations and the monotonous routine of school life with only the end of the final exams to look forward to. "I want to focus on studying efficiently, smartly and effectively, also not get distracted by friends and relationships since receiving an education is indeed a privilege and it shouldn't ever go to waste."