STORIES — Back to school, back to friends

Paul, English, UK: The start of a new school year was always a joyful reunion, a chance to see familiar faces and welcome back returning students. One year stood out vividly in my memory—a year when a group of friends who had been separated reunited.

As the students filed into the classroom, a burst of laughter caught my attention. The four friends had found each other and were sharing animated stories about their summers. The smiles on their faces were infectious, spreading to the other students as they listened to tales of adventures, family outings, and new hobbies.

What struck me most was the genuine happiness radiating from them. Despite spending time apart, their bond had remained unbreakable. They eagerly included new classmates in their conversations, fostering a sense of community that would define our classroom throughout the year.