Life is a journey that involves learning. And for most of us, the words “back to school” are a part of that journey.

How have the words “back to school” affected you? You might be a student, a teacher, or a parent of a child in school. I work at a college counseling center, and the words “back to school” remind me that I’m about to see many new faces.

Often, the increased busyness of the “back to school” season can be stressful for those who work with students. One thing that can help is to remember that this is a new opportunity to make a difference. You are investing into other people’s lives, and the knowledge and support that you give them will help them to succeed in life.

Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or fellow traveler in this world, I hope that you’ll be able to learn something new and significant this year. It might be something that impacts your future. It might involve interesting facts or theories.  It might have to do with new teaching strategies. It might be something practical that you learn outside of the classroom. It might involve a new way of having fun. It might have to do with discovering your purpose in life. Whatever it is, I hope that it improves the quality of your life in a tangible way.

Here are a few quotes about learning that you can take on this year’s journey:

“The love of learning, the sequestered nooks,
And all the sweet serenity of books”
― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

“I am not a teacher, but an awakener.”
― Robert Frost

“For me, I am driven by two main philosophies: know more today about the world than I knew yesterday and lessen the suffering of others. You’d be surprised how far that gets you.”
― Neil deGrasse Tyson