From day one, I loved school. I’ll always remember the day Mrs. Howell, my kindergarten teacher, taught me how to write my name and stick it on the bin that held my crayons and clay.   (This was way before Sesame Street, and ABCmouse wasn’t even a blip on the radar screen!) Mrs. Howell was my heroine. I loved her because she was kind, smart, and funny.

She, and other teachers, made a difference in my life. They helped me achieve. And, in turn, I’ve had the opportunity to help others, just like you, achieve.  So my personal memories of school are positive. Perhaps yours are, too. Or perhaps school was not a highlight in your life.

In either case, your school days, create many stories about teachers, principals, and classmates. Use the following prompts to help you tell them:

Elementary School

Name your first school. Where was it? Describe the building and grounds. Describe your room and desk.

Tell a story about getting to school—did you walk or take the bus? How far?

Tell a story about your first day at school. Were you scared? Did you cry? Were you excited? What excited you?

Tell a story about your playground and recess.

Tell a story about your reading group. Were you a “bluebird” or a “sparrow”?

Tell a story about learning how to print and then write cursive.

Tell a story about a school program or play.

Tell a story about a field trip.

Tell a story about how you started your school day. Did you say the Pledge of Allegiance or a prayer?

Tell a story about air raid drills or buying savings stamps or bonds.

Tell a story about lunch. Did you walk home? Did you bring your lunch in a lunchbox or paper sack? Did you eat in the cafeteria?  How much did lunch cost? What was your favorite lunch?

Tell a story about you as a student. What were your favorite/least favorite subjects? What academic grades did you receive on your report card? What citizenship grades did you receive on your report card? Did your teacher ever have to call your parents because you acted out?

Tell a story about your achievements, awards, or activities.

Tell a story about a “naughty kid” in your class. Was that by any chance you?

Tell a story about getting in trouble.

Tell a story about a “shining star” in your class. Was that by any chance you?

Tell a story about a special teacher/principal/classmate.

Did you have to change schools? Were you anxious? Tell a story about starting a new school.

Junior High and High School

Name your junior high and high school. Were they on in the same? Where were they? Describe the building and grounds.

Tell a story about changing classes for the first time. How many classes did you have each day? Were there different teachers for each class?

What were your favorite/least favorite classes? Tell a story about your report card.

Tell a story about PE—gym class. Were you required to take group showers? Did that bother you?

Tell a story about playing sports.

Tell a story about skipping school or getting in trouble.

How did you get to school?

Tell a story about your clubs, activities, and/or organizations.

Tell a story about your honors or awards.

Tell a story about pep rallies and football games.

Tell a story about your school colors, mascot, song, band, majorettes, and/or cheerleaders.

Tell a story about fads and slang terms.

How did you dress for school?

Tell a story the “in” group and the “out” group. Where did you fit? Why?

Tell a story about “hanging out” with your friends.

Tell a story about the most popular kids in school. What happened to them?

Tell a story about your prom. What did you wear? How did you get there? Who was your date? Where was it held? What did you do after?

Did you graduate? Tell a story about graduation. If you didn’t graduate, why did you leave school?

College and Beyond

Where did you attend college? Why did you select that school? What years did you attend? Tell a story about your campus and campus life.

Where did you live—dorm or apartment? Describe. Tell a story about your roommates.

How much did you pay for tuition—room and board? Did you receive financial aid?

What was your major/minor? Why did you select those areas of study? Did your major/minor change? Why? What happened?

Tell a story about your favorite classes/least favorite classes.

Were you in a fraternity or sorority? What one? Tell a story about pledging. Tell a story about Greek life. Tell a story about your house. Tell a story about attending fraternity/sorority parties. Tell a story about your brothers or sisters—did they remain lifelong friends? How do you stay connected? Tell a story about reunions.

Tell a story about having fun (cutting up!) with your friends. Did you drink before you were of legal age? Did you get caught? What happened?

Tell a story about your extracurricular activities.

Tell a story about sporting events.

Did you graduate? What year? Tell a story about graduation day.

Are you still proud to be a (fill in the blank)? Why or why not?

In what ways did your college degree help you (not help you) get your first job. Did your college degree contribute to your career? How? Why or why not?

What advice do you have for young people who are considering going on to college?

Did you go on to graduate school? Where? Why? What is your final degree? Tell a story about why or why not graduate school influenced your lifestyle and career decisions.