The School Bus Reminder: How to Reset, Refocus, and Finish 2025 Strong

August 2025

Recently, while driving home from an early morning workout, I noticed the traffic slowing down. Cars usually move at a pretty good pace in the morning, so I couldn’t figure out what was going on, and then I saw it. The big yellow blob, red flashing lights, the stop arm extended for all to see, and students slowly ambling down the sidewalk as if they were headed into battle rather than the classroom! That's such a relatable moment - there's something almost surreal about encountering that first school bus of the new academic year, especially when you're in that post-workout, early morning headspace.

It's funny how that bright yellow bus can completely transform the rhythm of morning traffic. One moment you're cruising along in the usual flow, and suddenly everyone's brake lights are lighting up as that familiar scene unfolds - kids moving at their own unhurried pace, utterly oblivious to the line of cars waiting behind the flashing red lights.

There's something almost nostalgic about it, too, isn't there? Even as an adult stuck in traffic, seeing those students with their backpacks can transport you right back to your school days and the memories of how excited you may have been showing off your new school clothes, picking out your new supplies, reconnecting with friends and basking in the excitement of the opportunities the new year could present.

Back to school gives us a chance to level set and hunker down as we march toward our end-of-year goals. Between now and Labor Day, I encourage you to take this time and reassess your goals and their progress. Be honest with yourself. What can you realistically accomplish between now and the end of the year?  Cross things off the list that you completed and erase or file items you can’t get to this year.

Just like you start each school year with a clean locker and everything in your study space in perfect order, tidy up your computer and desk files, organize your office, toss out things you no longer need, and get yourself organized. With Labor Day, Fall Break, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas standing between now and the New Year, the time will go by quickly, and 2026 will be here before we know it.

It's back-to-school time.  Whether you are walking the halls of an academic institution or an office building, the goals are the same, and we must focus, prioritize and do our very best to achieve that good grade, score that new client, finish that group project and collaborate with new partners.

It’s back-to-school time. Dean’s List, here we come.

Signing off,

Denise

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